Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Australia’s labor market unexpectedly contracted in May, raising expectations for potential interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released Thursday showed total employment declined by 2,500 jobs in May, sharply contrasting with April’s gain of 87,600 jobs and missing forecasts for a 20,600 increase.
The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1%, aligning with market expectations. Meanwhile, the participation rate—reflecting the proportion of the working-age population in the labor force—held steady at 67.0%, slightly below the projected 67.1%.
The weaker-than-expected jobs data signals a cooling labor market, reinforcing the case for further monetary easing. The RBA had already lowered interest rates twice this year, citing progress in bringing inflation within its 2–3% target range. However, the central bank has emphasized a data-dependent stance, especially amid rising global trade tensions driven by renewed U.S. tariffs.
Economists now anticipate the RBA could initiate another rate cut as early as August, though it is expected to move cautiously. The latest figures add to signs that Australia’s economic momentum is moderating, potentially giving the central bank more room to stimulate growth.
