Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
MSCI's global equities index declined on Monday as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank is not in a rush to cut interest rates, leading to a rise in the dollar. Brent crude also experienced its most significant monthly and quarterly losses since late 2022, driven by concerns about waning global demand and tensions in the Middle East.
Oil Futures Flat Amid Volatility
The global benchmark, Brent crude, saw a 17% drop in the third quarter, its most substantial quarterly fall in a year. While geopolitical concerns about Middle East conflicts initially caused market volatility, declining global demand played a more significant role in the downward trend.
Stock Markets React to Powell's Comments
U.S. stocks faced volatility after Powell's comments indicated a cautious approach to rate cuts, with the likelihood of two 25-basis-point reductions this year, depending on economic developments. Some investors had expected larger cuts, causing stocks to fluctuate throughout the day.
“That sounded less dovish than the market had priced in,” said Robert Phipps, director at Per Stirling Capital Management. Powell’s comments reduced expectations of a more substantial 50-basis-point cut by the end of the year.
Wall Street Ends Quarter Mixed
Despite volatility, U.S. stock indices closed the session with mixed results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 17.15 points (0.04%) to 42,330.15, the S&P 500 added 24.31 points (0.42%) to 5,762.48, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 69.58 points (0.38%) to 18,189.17. The S&P 500 gained 2.01% for the month and 5.53% for the quarter. MSCI’s gauge of global stocks reflected around a 2% monthly gain and a 6% quarterly rise.
Dollar and Treasury Yields Rise
The dollar appreciated following Powell's remarks, reducing expectations for a larger rate cut. The dollar index increased 0.32%, with the euro dropping 0.27% to $1.1133 and the dollar strengthening 1% against the Japanese yen. U.S. Treasury yields also edged higher, with the 10-year yield increasing to 3.785%, and the 2-year yield climbing to 3.637%.
Energy and Gold Markets
In energy markets, U.S. crude settled down 1 cent at $68.17 per barrel, showing a 7% decrease for September, its largest monthly drop since October 2023. Brent crude declined by 21 cents to $71.77 per barrel, posting a 9% monthly drop and a 17% quarterly decrease. Gold prices eased after recent gains, with spot gold down 1% to $2,631.39 an ounce and U.S. gold futures dropping 0.54%.
