Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
The Canadian dollar weakened significantly after weaker-than-expected inflation data, with a notable drop in headline CPI to 1.6% influenced by falling gasoline prices. The inflation below the BOC target of 2% increased the chance of a 50 bpbs rate cut by the Bank of Canada at its October 23 meeting.
In contrast, the British pound found support from mixed labor market data, with the unemployment rate falling to 4%, while wage growth slowed. This situation presents a balanced outlook regarding a potential rate cut from the Bank of England (BoE) in November, with market attention now turning to the forthcoming UK CPI data.
Germany's ZEW Economic Sentiment index rose from 3.6 to 13.1 in October, exceeding expectations. Despite a drop in the Current Situation Index, optimism is driven by stable inflation, anticipated ECB rate cuts, and positive signals from key export markets, including China's economic stimulus measures.
Yesterday, the Canadian dollar was the weak performer followed by the Australian and New Zealand dollar. The uncertainty over Chinese policy and fresh stimulus package weighing on AUD and NZD.
