Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
ECB’s Cipollone Backs Digital Euro as Europe Pushes for Payment System Independence 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Bank of England Expected to Hold Interest Rates at 3.75% as Inflation Remains Elevated 
Jerome Powell Attends Supreme Court Hearing on Trump Effort to Fire Fed Governor, Calling It Historic 
BOJ Holds Interest Rates Steady, Upgrades Growth and Inflation Outlook for Japan 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
The Federal Reserve kicked off its rate-cutting cycle earlier this month with a 50-basis-point cut. The upcoming October nonfarm payrolls report, expected on Friday, will be closely watched. Economists project the U.S. to have added around 144,000 jobs, providing insights into how the labor market is performing amid rate changes.
The data is key for investors looking to gauge a "soft landing," where inflation is curbed without major impacts on economic growth. If the numbers disappoint, recession concerns may rise. Conversely, stronger-than-expected job growth could signal that the Fed may not cut rates as aggressively as some expect.
Powell’s Speech on Economic Outlook
Fed Chair Jerome Powell will speak to the National Association for Business Economics on Monday. His remarks are likely to echo his previous press conference, where he cited growing confidence in controlling inflation and the shift in risks affecting the labor market as justification for the outsized rate cut. Additionally, comments from regional Fed presidents Bowman, Bostic, Barkin, and Williams are anticipated this week.
Labor market data from Tuesday’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and Wednesday's ADP private sector report will provide further indications before the main jobs report.
Q4 Market Volatility
The fourth quarter begins amid continued market volatility. Stocks have recently hit record highs, and China’s stimulus efforts have impacted global borrowing costs and oil prices. The upcoming U.S. election in November is expected to add more uncertainty to market dynamics.
Eurozone Inflation Trends
The eurozone is set to release flash September inflation data on Tuesday, a key indicator as the European Central Bank debates further rate cuts in October. Economists expect inflation to fall below the ECB's 2% target, primarily due to lower energy prices.
Oil Prices Fluctuate
Oil prices fell over the past week, with Brent crude down about 3% and U.S. crude futures dropping 5%. While China’s economic stimulus offered support, supply concerns grew following reports that OPEC+ will proceed with plans\ to increase production by 180,000 barrels per day starting in December. Energy traders will be watching labor market data, as interest rate cuts typically boost economic activity and energy demand.
—Reuters contributed reporting
