Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian markets held firm on Monday despite rising geopolitical risks from the Israel-Iran conflict, which pushed oil prices higher and added uncertainty ahead of several key central bank meetings. Brent crude rose $1.11 to $75.34 a barrel, while U.S. crude added $1.05 to reach $74.03, extending last week’s 13% surge. The ongoing conflict raises fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil chokepoint.
While global tensions mounted, investors remained composed. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan edged up 0.1%, with Japan’s Nikkei climbing 0.8% and South Korea gaining 0.5%. U.S. futures showed modest gains, with S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures up 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively.
Focus now turns to the Federal Reserve’s meeting this week. With oil-driven inflation risks rising, markets expect no change to the current 4.25%-4.5% rate band. Analysts, including JPMorgan’s Michael Feroli, anticipate the Fed’s updated "dot plot" will reflect only one rate cut in 2025, down from the previously forecasted two. Still, traders are betting on rate cuts starting in September, with two expected by year-end.
U.S. economic data, including retail sales on Tuesday and weekly jobless claims on Wednesday, will also influence sentiment. Meanwhile, European markets were slightly pressured due to energy import reliance, with EUROSTOXX 50 and DAX futures dipping.
The dollar gained 0.3% against the yen, while the euro slipped 0.1%. Oil-exporting currencies like the Norwegian crown hit multi-year highs. Gold rose 0.5% to $3,450 per ounce on safe-haven demand. Several central banks, including those in Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Japan, are set to decide on interest rates this week, adding to the market’s cautious yet resilient tone.
