U.S. Stock Futures Steady as Oil Tops $100 Ahead of Inflation Data 
China Exports Surge 25% in August as Trade Surplus Hits $119 Billion 
US Bans Canadian Alcohol, Motorcycles as Trade War Escalates 
Hormuz Shipping Slows as Iran Threats Lift Oil Risks 
Oil Prices Climb as Iran Threatens Gulf Energy Infrastructure 
US Stock Futures Mixed as Fed Rate Hike Bets Rise 
Brent Oil Tops $100 as Middle East Conflict Threatens Supply 
China Boosts Gold Reserves by 650,000 Ounces as Prices Rally 
Gold Prices Steady Ahead of U.S. Inflation Data and Fed Decision 
Gold Prices Rise as Yen Rally Weakens Dollar 
South Korea GDP Surges on Chip and AI Boom 
Gold Prices Rebound as Dollar Weakens, Fed Decision Looms 
Japan GDP Growth Beats Forecast, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Bets 
Asian Stocks Mixed as Korean Chipmakers Rally 
Asian Stocks Fall as Oil Tops $100, Yields Rise 
Canada Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods Take Effect 
UK Food Inflation Forecast to Hit 6.4% by Mid-2027 
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Tech Stocks Drive Asian Markets Higher
Asian stocks saw broad gains on Wednesday, led by a rally in technology shares following a positive lead from U.S. markets. Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 0.7%, supported by gains in retailer Seven & i Holdings after a higher bid from Alimentation Couche Tard.
However, U.S. stock futures remained subdued in Asian trade, as investors awaited further signals from the Federal Reserve regarding inflation and potential interest rate moves.
China Stocks Fall on Lackluster Stimulus
Chinese markets were the region's biggest losers, with the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes both dropping over 4%. This sharp decline followed an earlier rally as markets reopened after the Golden Week holiday. Investors were disappointed by the lack of details on how China's government plans to implement new stimulus measures announced in late September.
While China introduced monetary policies, such as proposed rate cuts and liquidity support, there was little indication of targeted fiscal measures. This uncertainty left markets skeptical about the effectiveness of the government's approach.
Hong Kong Stocks Slide Amid Profit-Taking
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index also dipped by 0.5%, extending a 10% loss from the previous session. Although tech stocks showed some resilience, waning confidence in China prompted investors to lock in profits, leading to further declines.
Tech Gains Lead the Way
While Chinese markets faced setbacks, broader Asian markets remained buoyant due to strength in the technology sector, with Japan and Australia posting gains. Investors continue to monitor global economic trends, with a focus on central bank actions in the coming days.
