Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Trump Says No Hormuz Strait Tolls During 60-Day Iran Ceasefire 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low; Gold Falls and Oil Mixed 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Most Asian stock markets advanced on Wednesday, tracking overnight gains from Wall Street as technology shares provided solid support. However, Japan’s markets lagged as rising expectations of a Bank of Japan (BOJ) interest rate hike weighed on investor sentiment.
Regional volumes were muted as China and Hong Kong remained closed for National Day holidays, with mainland Chinese markets set to reopen mid-next week. Attention also centered on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policy meeting, where the central bank is expected to leave rates unchanged while easing liquidity conditions.
Asian equities initially benefited from Wall Street’s stronger close, though momentum faded amid concerns of a looming U.S. government shutdown. Bipartisan efforts to secure additional funding faltered, and S&P 500 futures slipped 0.4% in Asian trading ahead of a potential shutdown at 0400 GMT.
Technology shares led regional gains, echoing the performance of U.S. tech stocks. South Korea’s KOSPI rose 0.8%, lifted by optimism in the artificial intelligence sector and bargain-hunting after September’s steep losses. Still, gains were capped as Federal Reserve officials, including Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, signaled caution over aggressive rate cuts, reflecting the resilience of the U.S. economy.
In contrast, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX dropped 1.1% and 1.8%, respectively. A BOJ “tankan” survey showed improved sentiment among large manufacturers, bolstering expectations for an interest rate hike later in October. The stronger yen, driven by rate hike bets, further pressured Japanese exporters.
Elsewhere, Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose 0.6% on tech strength, while Australia’s ASX 200 slipped 0.3% after the Reserve Bank of Australia’s hawkish stance. Indian equities remained muted, with Nifty 50 futures pointing to a flat open as investors awaited the RBI decision. Analysts expect a dovish outlook, with the possibility of reduced cash reserve requirements to support growth amid U.S. trade tariff pressures.
