China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
The euro edged closer to its strongest level in nearly four years on Thursday, buoyed by optimism over new trade agreements between the United States and key partners, including the European Union and Japan. The potential U.S.-EU deal may feature a 15% baseline tariff on EU goods with possible exemptions, according to European diplomats. This follows Washington’s agreement with Tokyo, which reduces auto tariffs and secures a $550 billion package of U.S.-bound investment and loans.
Global markets responded positively, with investors shifting away from the U.S. dollar and risk-sensitive currencies rallying. The Australian dollar climbed to an eight-month high of $0.6604, while the euro traded at $1.1768, near the $1.1830 peak hit earlier this month, marking its highest level in over three years. The U.S. dollar slipped 0.03% against the yen to 146.38, extending its decline for a fourth session despite Japan’s ongoing political uncertainty following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s denial of resignation rumors after an election defeat.
Sterling held firm at $1.3582, while the New Zealand dollar hovered at $0.6046. The U.S. dollar index remained steady at 97.21.
Beyond trade negotiations, market focus has shifted to the European Central Bank’s upcoming rate decision. While no immediate policy change is expected, investors are watching closely for signals on future monetary easing, with another rate cut anticipated by December. The recent trade breakthroughs and potential ECB actions are shaping currency market dynamics, reinforcing risk appetite amid easing geopolitical tensions.
