ECB Keeps July Rate Options Open Amid Iran War Energy Price Risks 
Goldman Sachs Sees Fed Holding Interest Rates Steady Until 2027 
BOJ Rate Hike Expectations Rise as Weak Yen and Strong U.S. Jobs Data Increase Pressure 
RBI Holds Interest Rates at 5.25%, Cuts India Growth Forecast Amid Rising Global Risks 
Indonesia Passes New Central Bank Law, Raising Investor Concerns Over Policy Independence 
Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed 
Taiwan Central Bank Likely to Keep Interest Rates Unchanged Through 2027 
ECB’s surprising dovish taper announcement on Thursday triggered rally across European equity markets. The European indices remain on track for its best week since February, having reached its highest level in 11 months yesterday.
European equity indices have been sharply outperforming their US counterparts as the region’s banking sector extended rally to reach its highest level since January, largely driven by a post-referendum surge for Italian lenders.
On Friday, European bourses were consolidating the post-ECB rally. Minor-recovery attempts by the euro from the ECB-led slump weighed down on the exports-oriented stocks, and hence, undermined the sentiment around the region’s equities.
Germany's DAX 30 index was down -0.23 percent to 11,155 levels, while the UK's FTSE 100 index trades marginally higher at 6,941. Among the other indices, the French CAC 40 index gains +0.14 percent to 4,744 while the pan-European Euro Stoxx 50 index inches -0.14 percent lower at 3,184 points.
Meanwhile a brief correction is likely on Wall Street stocks as we head towards the FOMC decision due next week. Investors turn cautious after yesterday’s global equities rally, with Wall Street stocks at record high levels.
