Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asian stock markets held firm on Wednesday as investor sentiment improved, supported by a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran and a rebound in oil prices. The truce helped offset fears of broader regional conflict, although Israel warned of a strong response to recent Iranian missile strikes. A preliminary U.S. intelligence report contradicted President Trump’s claim that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were "obliterated," suggesting the damage was temporary.
Japan’s Nikkei and Australia’s benchmark were flat, while Taiwan's market rose 1%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbed 0.6%, but China’s blue chips dipped 0.1%. U.S. stock futures remained steady, and the MSCI global equity index held its record high from the previous session.
Brent crude oil edged up 81 cents to $67.95 per barrel, while WTI crude gained 70 cents to $65.07, rebounding slightly after steep drops earlier in the week. Market analysts remain focused on the broader risk of escalation, particularly concerns over U.S. involvement or disruption to the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. dollar weakened, with the dollar index down 0.1% to 97.854. The euro rose to $1.1625, nearing its highest level since October 2021. The dollar slipped 0.1% to 144.70 yen. Two-year U.S. Treasury yields fell to a 1.5-month low of 3.787% amid reduced inflation fears due to lower energy costs.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that rising tariffs could push inflation higher in the summer, potentially impacting interest rate decisions. Meanwhile, June data showed a surprise decline in U.S. consumer confidence, reinforcing expectations that the Fed may cut rates, with markets pricing in an 18% chance of a July rate cut.
