Asian Stocks Rise as Chipmakers Rally on Micron Earnings 
Oil Prices Steady as Middle East Crude Flows Recover 
BOJ Signals Faster Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Grow 
South Korea Exports Set for 16th Monthly Gain on AI Chip Demand 
Dollar Hits Three-Month High as US Treasury Yields Surge 
Asian Currencies Mixed as Yen Slides on BOJ Rate Signals 
India Manufacturing Growth Hits Seven-Month High in September 
Japan Factory Output Unexpectedly Falls 1.7% in August 
U.S. Stock Futures Steady as AI, Rate Concerns Weigh 
Fed’s Williams Signals One More Rate Hike Before Year-End 
Gold Steady as Softer U.S. Inflation Eases Fed Rate Hike Bets 
US Alcohol Ban Exposes Canada’s Internal Trade Barriers 
Trump Eyes $54 Billion South Korean Investment in Alaska LNG 
Oil Prices Slide as Middle East Flows Recover 
South Korea Exports Surge 83.5% on AI Chip Boom 
US Stocks Slip as Treasury Yields Ease, AI Trade Rebounds 
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Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday while the U.S. dollar strengthened as hopes for a breakthrough in reopening the Strait of Hormuz faded, increasing concerns over global energy supply disruptions. Investors also turned cautious ahead of crucial U.S. inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision.
Brent crude futures climbed 0.7% to $105 per barrel after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran was “on life support.” Tehran’s response to a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the conflict reportedly showed both sides remain far apart, keeping geopolitical tensions elevated in the Middle East.
Global stock markets weakened as rising oil prices and uncertainty over trade and inflation pressured investor sentiment. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.2%, while South Korea’s KOSPI index dropped 3%, dragging down broader Asian markets. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan fell 1%, while European futures declined 1%.
Markets are closely monitoring Trump’s scheduled visit to China on Wednesday. Analysts expect limited progress on both Iran-related negotiations and U.S.-China trade discussions. Investors are mainly hoping for stability, with no additional tariffs or export restrictions.
Despite higher energy prices, Wall Street remained relatively resilient overnight, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching fresh record closing highs. However, traders are now focused on upcoming U.S. consumer price index data, which is expected to show annual inflation accelerating to 3.7%.
A stronger-than-expected inflation reading could force the Federal Reserve to consider another interest rate hike instead of anticipated rate cuts, potentially increasing volatility across financial markets.
Meanwhile, bond yields continued to rise globally. Japan’s 10-year government bond yield surged to a 29-year high of 2.54%, fueled by expectations of further policy tightening from the Bank of Japan. The U.S. dollar also gained strength, rising to 157.53 yen against the Japanese currency.
