Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Japan’s exports rose for the first time in five months in September, supported by a weaker yen that boosted overseas competitiveness. However, shipments to the United States continued to fall despite Washington’s tariff reductions on Japanese autos, signaling ongoing trade headwinds.
According to official data, total exports increased 4.2% year-on-year in September, slightly below the market forecast of 4.6% and following a 0.1% decline in August. While the uptick aligns with recent indicators—such as the Bank of Japan’s tankan survey—suggesting the economy remains resilient, analysts caution that the recovery could be short-lived.
Exports to the U.S. plunged 13.3% from a year earlier, marking six consecutive months of decline. Auto exports dropped sharply by 24.2%, and chipmaking equipment shipments tumbled 45.7%. In contrast, exports to China rose 5.8% thanks to stronger demand for vehicles and industrial materials, while shipments to the rest of Asia climbed 9.2%.
Imports also grew 3.3% in September, surpassing expectations of a 0.6% increase. As a result, Japan recorded a trade deficit of 234.6 billion yen ($1.56 billion), contrary to forecasts for a small surplus.
The recent U.S.-Japan trade agreement, which lowered tariffs on Japanese goods—cutting auto duties from 27.5% to a baseline 15%—offered partial relief to manufacturers. Still, many automakers had already slashed export prices to offset earlier costs, squeezing profit margins. Analysts warn that prolonged profit pressure could hinder corporate investment and wage growth, potentially slowing consumption and economic momentum.
Norinchukin Research Institute’s chief economist Takeshi Minami noted that exporters may face further strain once cost adjustments begin, potentially reducing export volumes. Meanwhile, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated that the central bank may continue gradual rate hikes if firms maintain resilience and boost spending on equipment and wages.
