Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Oil prices rose in Asian trading on Wednesday as escalating Middle East tensions and the threat of tighter U.S. sanctions on Russian energy boosted supply concerns. Brent crude futures gained 0.7% to $66.92 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose 0.7% to $62.72 by 21:41 ET (01:41 GMT), marking a fourth straight session of gains. Prices were also supported after OPEC+ announced a smaller-than-expected production increase over the weekend.
Markets reacted sharply to Israel’s late-Tuesday strike on Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar. The attack drew swift condemnation from Qatari and U.S. officials, raising fears it could derail ongoing peace talks. Oil spiked nearly 2% after the news before easing when U.S. officials stated no further strikes would occur. Hamas reported five casualties and accused Israel of attempting to assassinate its negotiating team. The move now clouds prospects for peace negotiations, leaving traders wary of prolonged instability in the region.
Geopolitical risks were further amplified by reports that U.S. President Donald Trump called for tougher measures against Russian oil. According to Reuters, Trump pushed for expanded sanctions and steep tariffs on India and China over their continued energy imports from Moscow. He has already imposed 50% tariffs on India and signaled a possible hike to 100% for both India and China. Such steps could reduce Russian oil revenues and disrupt global supply, although both countries have shown little willingness to halt purchases.
Adding to market uncertainty, U.S. crude inventories rose by 1.25 million barrels in the week to September 5, according to the American Petroleum Institute. Still, supply risks from the Middle East and Russia remain the dominant drivers, keeping oil prices on an upward trajectory.
