RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
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 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Asian stocks were mostly higher on Friday as markets welcomed short-term relief after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed a decision on whether the U.S. will join the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. However, Japanese shares underperformed due to stronger-than-expected inflation data and growing expectations of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.
The Nikkei 225 and TOPIX slipped 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, pressured by a strengthening yen and concerns over future monetary tightening. Japan’s core CPI for May jumped to its highest level in nearly two and a half years, while underlying inflation also hit a one-year peak. The data, alongside hawkish BOJ meeting minutes, fueled speculation that the central bank could raise rates as soon as July.
In contrast, tech-heavy Asian markets rebounded. South Korea’s KOSPI surged 1.1%, reaching a two-year high, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.8% on revived risk sentiment. U.S. markets remained closed for the Juneteenth holiday, but S&P 500 Futures fell 0.3% in Asian trade, still weighed by the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone and reduced rate cut projections for 2026.
China’s Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 inched up 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, showing muted response to the PBOC’s decision to keep its loan prime rate steady. However, expectations remain for further easing this year to combat sluggish growth.
Australia’s ASX 200 dipped 0.5%, while Singapore’s Straits Times rose 0.1%. India’s Gift Nifty 50 Futures edged up 0.2%, indicating a positive start for local markets.
Geopolitical tensions and central bank actions continue to drive regional sentiment, with investors closely watching inflation trends and monetary policy signals.
