Canada's Economy Grows Modestly in January 2025, Driven by Energy and Construction 
Gold Prices Rebound in Asia Amid Iran War Ceasefire Hopes 
Oil Prices Surge to Record Monthly Highs as Middle East War Rattles Global Markets 
Goldman Sachs Sees Value in European Real Estate Stocks Despite Sharp Selloff 
Japan's Business Confidence Rises Despite Iran War Uncertainty, BOJ Rate Hike Expected 
Bessent: Global Oil Market Well Supplied as U.S. Eyes Hormuz Navigation Control 
Oil Prices Dip as Trump Eyes Iran De-escalation, Hormuz Closure Persists 
South Korea's Exports Hit Record High in March on AI-Driven Chip Demand 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady Amid U.S.-Israel-Iran Tensions and BOJ Signals 
Oil Prices Climb as Middle East Conflict Keeps Supply Risks Elevated 
U.S. Trade Rep Dismisses WTO's Future Role After Failed Cameroon Summit 
Oil Prices Hold Near Multi-Year Highs Amid Iran Conflict and Hormuz Supply Fears 
South Korea's $17.3 Billion Emergency Budget Targets Oil Price Surge 
Gold Prices Rebound But Head for Worst Month Since 2008 Amid Iran War Uncertainty 
RBC Capital: European Medtech Firms Show Minimal Middle East and Energy Risk Exposure 
Asian Stocks Surge on Trump's Iran War Comments and Dip-Buying 
Asian Stocks Mixed in March 2026 Amid Iran War Fears and Tech Selloff 
U.S. September Inflation Data in Focus
Thursday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) release is expected to show that inflation moderated at the end of Q3, following a stronger-than-expected jobs report last week. This data will be crucial for understanding how the Federal Reserve approaches rate cuts in the coming months. A tamer Producer Price Index (PPI) on Friday would further support the case for controlled inflation, reinforcing the Fed’s target of 2%.
According to UBS analysts, the CPI report is pivotal: “If prices rise faster than expected, alongside strong labor data, the likelihood of the Fed skipping a November rate cut increases.” The Fed’s September meeting minutes, to be released on Wednesday will provide insights into the central bank’s decision-making and its outlook on future rate adjustments.
U.S. Earnings Season Kicks Off
Q3 earnings season is beginning, with major financial firms such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and BlackRock reporting on Friday. These results will offer a vital view into the economy’s health, including loan demand and consumer spending. Investors will also watch for signs that the recent Fed rate cut stimulates economic activity, such as auto sales or other major purchases. Additionally, results from companies like PepsiCo and Delta Air Lines will provide further context on consumer demand and market resilience.
Oil Price Volatility Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Oil prices experienced a sharp rise last week, with Brent crude gaining 8% and WTI rising 9.1%, mainly due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, U.S. President Joe Biden's discouragement of Israeli action on Iranian oil facilities helped contain price spikes. Iran, a key OPEC+ member, produces around 3.2 million barrels per day. Any disruption to its supply could significantly impact global oil markets, despite OPEC+'s spare production capacity.
Central Bank Outlook: RBNZ and RBA
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand meets on Wednesday, with speculation of a rate cut following the Fed's example. This decision could indicate a shift in global monetary policies to stimulate economic growth. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia will publish its September meeting minutes on Tuesday, providing insights on its hawkish hold and the domestic economy.
