Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Hits 1-Month High 
The U.S. dollar pulled back on Wednesday amid weak consumer confidence data and growing concerns that sweeping tariffs could hinder U.S. economic growth. The greenback dipped about 0.5% against the yen overnight, falling below the key 150 level to 149.95 in early Asian trading. The euro, which had been gradually declining from a five-month high, stabilized at $1.0789.
Market sentiment remains cautious ahead of next week, when former President Donald Trump is expected to announce or detail new tariffs targeting autos, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. These looming trade tensions have left currencies like the Australian dollar vulnerable, with the Aussie hovering just above $0.63. Monthly inflation data, likely to show persistent price pressures, could support expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia will delay rate cuts.
Despite Australia's federal budget unveiling tax cuts and increased borrowing for voter relief ahead of the May election, the Aussie saw little reaction. Commonwealth Bank strategist Joe Capurso warned that intensified U.S. trade policies could push AUD/USD toward the $0.60 mark if markets are caught off guard.
The New Zealand dollar remained steady at $0.5732, while the euro and Russia’s rouble showed minimal response to U.S.-brokered agreements with Russia and Ukraine aimed at pausing attacks on energy and sea targets. Wheat prices, however, dropped following U.S. statements supporting the easing of sanctions on Russian agriculture.
Currency markets are navigating a complex mix of inflation fears and growth risks. Despite expectations that tariffs may be inflationary, their potential drag on growth has tempered dollar strength. U.S. consumer confidence data underscored this uncertainty, plunging to a four-year low in March. The dollar index, which surged from September to January, is now on track for a 4% quarterly decline. Sterling held at $1.2948 ahead of key U.K. inflation figures.
