Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
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 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asian markets climbed Monday as investor optimism grew over China’s latest stimulus efforts, despite lingering concerns over U.S. trade tariffs. Gains were fueled by Beijing’s newly announced measures to boost consumer spending, including wage hikes, subsidies, and expanded social welfare. The Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes saw modest gains, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index jumped 1%.
China’s industrial production exceeded expectations in early 2025, and fixed asset investment rose more than anticipated. However, retail sales met forecasts, and the unemployment rate unexpectedly increased. Optimism around China’s economic policies and AI sector has driven a strong rally in local markets, with Hong Kong stocks leading the charge. Investors now await a key Chinese loan prime rate decision later this week.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 1.1%, and the TOPIX index added 1.2% as traders eyed the Bank of Japan’s upcoming policy meeting. While the BOJ is expected to maintain interest rates, investors are looking for signals on future hikes amid rising inflation and wages.
Other Asian markets mirrored China’s gains. Australia’s ASX 200 rose 0.6% but trimmed gains after Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned of higher inflation due to Cyclone Alfred. Singapore’s Straits Times index gained 0.7% after mixed export data, while South Korea’s KOSPI advanced 1.4% on bargain buying in tech stocks. However, political uncertainty loomed ahead of a court ruling on impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
India’s Nifty 50 futures indicated a slightly positive open, as investors awaited wholesale inflation data due later Monday. While Asian stocks enjoyed a rebound, global markets remain cautious amid ongoing trade tensions and central bank decisions.
