China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
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 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
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 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
U.S. stock index futures rose sharply Wednesday evening, driven by strong quarterly earnings from Microsoft and Meta Platforms that boosted optimism for AI-led growth. The rally followed a muted Wall Street session earlier in the day after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, dampening expectations for a rate cut in September.
Nasdaq 100 futures jumped 1.1% to 23,719.75 points, while S&P 500 futures gained 0.7% to 6,441.25 points. Dow Jones futures added 0.2% to 44,690 points. The tech-heavy Nasdaq outperformed as investor sentiment improved on robust results from major tech firms.
During regular trading, the S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.2%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.4%. The Fed’s decision marked the first double dissent since 1993, with Trump-appointed governors Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller favoring a 25 basis-point cut. President Donald Trump criticized the central bank, urging rapid rate reductions to spur growth.
Economic data earlier Wednesday showed U.S. GDP grew more than expected in Q2, rebounding from a Q1 contraction. Private payrolls rose by 104,000 in July, ahead of Friday’s key nonfarm payrolls report.
Microsoft surged over 8% after reporting strong cloud and AI-driven revenue, while Meta soared nearly 12% on robust ad growth and upbeat guidance. Apple and Amazon are set to report next.
In trade developments, Trump announced a 15% tariff on South Korean imports alongside a $350 billion U.S. investment pledge from Seoul and a 25% tariff on India over Russian military purchases. A 50% tariff on semi-finished copper products begins August 1, signaling escalating trade tensions.
