Trump Urges Gasoline Retailers to Cut Prices to $2.50 Per Gallon, Warns of Legal Action 
Gold Price Falls as Fed Rate Hike Fears and U.S.-Iran Tensions Weigh on Bullion 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
Asian Currencies Trade Mixed as Yen Hovers Near 40-Year Low, Dollar Holds Firm on Fed Outlook 
Argentina Economy Shrinks 1.5% in April, Recovery Under Milei Loses Momentum 
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Countries Imposing Digital Services Taxes on U.S. Tech Firms 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Global Financial Firms Shift Asia Expansion Focus to South Korea as China, India Face Caution 
Wall Street Ends Lower as AI Stocks Drag Markets, Fed Rate Outlook Shifts 
Economic pessimism has set in – but there are reasons for Australians to be hopeful 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Micron Surges, Apple Drops After Price Hikes 
Asian Stocks Slip as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Lift Oil, Dollar Strength Persists 
Asian Currencies Stay Range-Bound as Investors Eye China Data, RBNZ Outlook and U.S.-Iran Ceasefire 
Trump Questions Housing Bill as He Prioritizes SAVE America Act 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
World Bank Approves $1.1 Billion Emergency Funding for Bangladesh Amid Food and Energy Price Pressures 
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.
