Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
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 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
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 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
The U.S. dollar hovered close to a two-month peak on Thursday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell maintained a cautious stance on interest rate cuts, boosting confidence in the greenback. The dollar index remained steady at 99.77, just below Wednesday’s 99.987 high, and is poised for its first monthly gain of the year, advancing more than 3%.
Market sentiment improved as concerns over U.S. tariffs eased amid new trade agreements. Earlier fears of the dollar’s decline, triggered by President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, have subsided, fueling the currency’s rebound. Analysts point to a hawkish Fed and resilient U.S. economic data as key drivers of the dollar’s momentum.
The euro rose 0.25% to $1.1433 but remains on track for a 3% monthly loss, while the British pound traded at $1.3248, heading for a 3.5% monthly decline. Traders have dialed back expectations for Fed rate cuts this year, now pricing in around 35 basis points of easing by December.
Global trade developments also influenced currency markets. South Korea’s won strengthened 0.3% to 1,389.20 per dollar after reaching a tariff agreement with Washington. Meanwhile, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on most Brazilian goods and continues negotiations with India.
In Asia, the yen hovered near a four-month low at 149.29 ahead of the Bank of Japan’s policy decision. Investors are watching closely for any hint of further tightening as the BOJ balances inflationary pressures and growth risks.
Elsewhere, the Australian dollar edged up to $0.6443 and the New Zealand dollar rose to $0.5906, though both remain set for monthly losses of around 2–3%.
The dollar’s rally underscores shifting global currency dynamics as markets brace for evolving trade and central bank policies.
