Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
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 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Oil prices rose modestly in Asian trading on Wednesday as escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas reignited fears of Middle East supply disruptions, partially reversing two days of losses. Brent crude futures for December climbed 0.3% to $64.58 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures increased 0.3% to $60.30 by 21:09 ET (01:09 GMT).
The uptick came after Israel launched fresh attacks on Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaching a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement established earlier in October. The renewed conflict raised concerns about potential instability in the region, a key oil transit hub. However, U.S. officials maintained that the ceasefire remained intact, aiming to end over two years of hostilities.
Adding to the bullish sentiment, U.S. sanctions targeting Russian energy exports and industry data showing an unexpected drawdown in U.S. crude inventories supported market optimism. These developments suggested tighter short-term supply, offsetting fears of oversupply from major producers.
Still, market caution prevailed ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy announcement. Investors widely expect the Fed to implement a 25-basis-point interest rate cut following recent data showing cooling inflation. Yet, attention remains on Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks regarding the pace and extent of future rate cuts, which could influence the dollar and, consequently, oil demand. The greenback’s slight strength provided modest support to crude prices.
Despite the rebound, oil markets remain under pressure in 2025 amid concerns of weakening global demand and rising output. Reports suggest that OPEC+ is preparing to ramp up production further, scaling back two years of supply curbs. This potential increase could reintroduce a supply glut, limiting price gains in the months ahead.
