Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
Asian Stocks Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Sparks AI Profitability Concerns 
Hong Kong Cuts Base Rate as HKMA Follows U.S. Federal Reserve Move 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
Fed’s Dovish Tone Sends Dollar Lower as Markets Price In More Rate Cuts 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
Japan Weighs New Tax Breaks to Boost Corporate Investment Amid Spending Debate 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
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.
