Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
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 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
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 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Japan’s annual wholesale inflation reached 4.0% in February, reflecting rising raw material costs and reinforcing market expectations of a near-term interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). The corporate goods price index (CGPI), which tracks the prices businesses charge each other, matched market forecasts but slowed slightly from January’s 4.2% increase.
Bank of Japan data showed yen-based import prices declined 0.7% in February after rising 2.3% in January, highlighting fluctuating cost pressures. The BOJ had ended its decade-long ultra-loose monetary policy last year, raising short-term interest rates from 0.25% to 0.5% in January, signaling a shift toward tightening.
With consumer inflation surpassing the BOJ’s 2% target for nearly three years, policymakers have indicated a willingness to raise rates further if economic recovery remains stable. Investors are closely watching for signals on future monetary policy moves, as sustained inflation and economic resilience could prompt additional hikes.
Japan’s inflation trend continues to shape expectations for financial markets, businesses, and households. The BOJ’s stance on interest rates remains a focal point, with any further increases likely to impact lending, investment, and overall economic growth.
