South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
BOJ Governor Signals Gradual Rate Hikes as Japan’s Inflation Nears 2% Target 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Japan Revises Economic Growth Forecast as Stimulus Fuels Consumption and Investment 
U.S. Stocks Rally to Record Highs as AI Rebound Fuels Holiday-Shortened Session 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as Strong U.S. Growth and Supply Risks Support Market 
RBA Holds Rates but Warns of Rising Inflation Pressures 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Gold Price Breaks $4,500 as Safe-Haven Demand and Rate Cut Bets Fuel Rally 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
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
