Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Japan’s benchmark stock index, the Nikkei 225, broke a historic barrier on Monday, soaring past 50,000 points for the first time ever. The rally was fueled by investor optimism over a massive stimulus package expected from newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and growing bets that the U.S. Federal Reserve will soon begin cutting interest rates.
By 00:49 GMT, the Nikkei 225 had climbed 2.1% to 50,342.25 points, marking another record high. The broader TOPIX index followed suit, jumping 1.7% to 3,326.37 points, also setting a new all-time record. October has been a stellar month for Japanese equities, with the Nikkei gaining nearly 12%, supported by strong corporate earnings and renewed confidence in Japan’s economic outlook.
Prime Minister Takaichi, who assumed office last week, is reportedly preparing a fiscal stimulus package exceeding last year’s 13.9 trillion yen (US$92 billion) plan. According to Reuters, the new package will target inflation relief, investment in growth industries, and national security initiatives, signaling aggressive government action to sustain momentum in Asia’s second-largest economy.
Adding to the bullish sentiment, recent U.S. inflation data showed weaker-than-expected consumer price growth in September, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve may lower rates during its upcoming October 28–29 meeting. Lower U.S. rates typically boost global equity markets by easing financial conditions and supporting risk appetite.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is set to meet later this week, with an interest rate decision due Thursday. Analysts widely expect the BOJ to maintain its policy rate at 0.5%, awaiting more clarity on global trade developments and the impact of U.S. tariffs.
The combination of fiscal optimism at home and dovish signals abroad has positioned Japan’s stock market for further gains, underscoring renewed investor confidence in the nation’s economic trajectory.
