Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
European markets opened higher Monday, buoyed by optimism ahead of key central bank meetings. By 07:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 each gained 0.5%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 inched up 0.1%.
Investor focus is on the U.S. Federal Reserve, which meets this week amid signs of a cooling labor market and easing inflation. Hopes are rising that the Fed could cut interest rates when its meeting concludes Wednesday, pushing Wall Street indices, including the Nasdaq Composite, to fresh record highs last week. The Bank of England, which cut rates five times in just over a year, is expected to hold steady Thursday as inflation remains at 3.8%, the highest among G7 nations. Central banks in Japan, Canada, and South Africa are also set to announce decisions this week.
In Asia, weak Chinese data weighed on sentiment. Industrial output slowed to 5.2% year-on-year in August, the weakest since August 2024, while retail sales growth fell to 3.4%, the slowest since November 2024.
Corporate news also moved markets. German defense group Rheinmetall struck a deal to acquire Naval Vessels Luerssen from Luerssen Group, expanding into naval construction. UK online retailer AO World raised its profit outlook and launched its first share buyback after posting strong first-half revenue growth.
Oil prices extended gains on concerns over supply disruptions after Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy facilities. At 03:05 ET, Brent futures rose 0.3% to $67.22 a barrel, while WTI crude edged up 0.1% to $62.75. Both benchmarks advanced over 1% last week as attacks threatened key Russian terminals and refineries, raising risks for top buyers India and China.
