IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
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 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
The U.S. dollar edged higher on Monday as geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran drove safe-haven demand, with investors bracing for key central bank decisions this week. Fears of a broader regional conflict intensified after Israel’s surprise attack on Friday led to the suspension of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Analysts warn that Iran may attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil trade route, posing broader economic risks.
The dollar rose 0.14% to 144.3 yen, while the euro slipped 0.14% to $1.1534. The greenback was steady against the Swiss franc at 0.81, and the dollar index held firm at 98.25. Risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian and New Zealand dollars saw marginal gains. Despite recent gains, analysts remain cautious on the dollar’s longer-term trajectory, especially if the Federal Reserve signals a dovish stance.
Brown Brothers Harriman’s Win Thin noted that the dollar’s safe-haven status may be tested, particularly amid weakening U.S. fundamentals. Markets expect the Fed to keep rates unchanged on Wednesday, with investors closely watching for comments on slowing economic growth and persistent inflation risks. Chris Weston of Pepperstone said the Fed's growth forecast will likely shift downward, keeping its policy tone neutral.
The Bank of Japan is also expected to maintain rates on Tuesday, though it may begin scaling back bond purchases next fiscal year. Central banks in the UK, Sweden, and Norway are also set to announce policy updates this week.
In commodities, gold climbed 0.22% to $3,435.5 an ounce, nearing April’s record high. Longer-dated U.S. Treasuries dipped slightly after Friday’s gains, reflecting market caution over potential inflationary effects from ongoing geopolitical turmoil.
