Michael Saylor Describes Bitcoin as "Lightning in a Bottle" – What It Means for BTC's Future 
Activist Investor Starboard Value Takes $1B Stake in Pfizer, Calls for Strategic Overhaul 
Rio Tinto Eyes Potential Takeover of Lithium Producer Arcadium PLC 
China’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Beat Forecasts with $28.2 Billion Rise in September 
China Pauses Gold Buying Amidst Price Surge for Fifth Month 
Oil Prices Dip Amid Middle East Tensions & Positive U.S. Data 
Vietnam Targets 7.6%-8% Economic Growth in Q4 2024 Amid Strong Q3 Results 
Saudi Arabia Raises Oil Prices for Asia Amid Market Volatility and Middle East Tensions 
Is It Still a Good Time to Invest in China's Market? HSBC's Analysis on FTSE China A50 Rally 
Higher-than-Expected September Inflation Delays Turkey’s Anticipated Interest Rate Cuts 
Asian Markets Rally Amid Strong U.S. Labor Data 
India-U.S. Agreement Strengthens Critical Minerals Supply Chain for EVs and Clean Energy 
Asian Stocks Rally: Japan Leads Gains as U.S. Jobs Data and China Stimulus Drive Market Sentiment 
Samsung's Q3 Profits Expected to Jump 4X on Chip Demand, but AI Chip Lag Raises Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Up as Markets Eye Fed Signals and Q3 Earnings 
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.
