Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
The U.S. dollar wavered against the Japanese yen on Wednesday, pressured by a trade agreement between President Donald Trump and Japan that softened expected tariffs and boosted investor appetite for the yen. The dollar fell 0.5% overnight to trade near 146.61 yen, while the U.S. dollar index hovered at 97.430 after a three-day decline, down 6.6% since Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement dubbed “Liberation Day.”
Trump’s new deal imposes a 15% tariff on Japanese imports—down from the initially proposed 25%—and includes a pledge from Japan to invest $550 billion into the U.S. economy. The trade pact also opens Japan’s market to U.S. vehicles, rice, and other agricultural goods, resolving longstanding friction over key export sectors.
According to Moomoo Australia strategist Michael McCarthy, “Dollar softness seems to be our opening proposition,” noting dovish sentiment reflected in U.S. bond markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the administration’s focus on securing quality deals over sticking to strict deadlines, leaving room for flexibility.
Despite Wall Street's record highs, global forex markets remain rangebound due to lingering tariff uncertainty. The euro slipped 0.1% to $1.1739, while the British pound edged down to $1.35235. The Australian dollar held steady at $0.6557, and the New Zealand dollar inched up 0.1% to $0.60065.
Investor sentiment was also clouded by concerns over Federal Reserve independence. Trump has repeatedly criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell over interest rate policy. However, Bessent stated Powell does not need to resign and should finish his term if he chooses.
As trade developments unfold, the dollar faces increasing pressure amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting investor sentiment.
