Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
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 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian markets rose modestly on Wednesday as investors remained cautious following U.S.-China trade talks that ended without a major breakthrough and ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan gained 0.3%, led by Taiwanese shares, while Australian stocks advanced 0.7%. Japan’s Nikkei slipped 0.03% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.4%.
The euro rebounded 0.2% to $1.1564 after hitting a one-month low, supported by optimism surrounding the EU’s trade deal with Washington. Traders are closely watching several upcoming central bank decisions, economic data, and corporate earnings reports, including results from Microsoft and Meta later today.
The Fed is widely expected to keep interest rates steady, though some policymakers may advocate for cuts amid trade tensions and inflation uncertainties. Analysts suggest rate reductions could come as early as September. U.S. Treasury yields dipped, with the 10-year note at 4.328%, the lowest since early July.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the Bank of Japan is also expected to maintain its policy stance on Thursday, with markets awaiting clues on future hikes following progress in Japan-U.S. trade talks. Meanwhile, attention is focused on looming U.S. tariff deadlines. The 90-day U.S.-China tariff truce expires August 12, while India faces potential 20%-25% tariffs on certain exports by August 1.
Oil prices inched higher, with Brent crude at $72.65 a barrel, amid supply concerns linked to geopolitical tensions over Ukraine. The Singapore dollar strengthened 0.2% after its central bank left monetary policy unchanged following stronger-than-expected Q2 growth.
Market sentiment remains cautious as investors brace for policy updates and earnings that could set the tone for global markets in the coming weeks.
