Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
U.S. stock index futures ticked higher Sunday evening as traders weighed expectations for lower Federal Reserve interest rates against mounting concerns over a slowing labor market and broader economy.
S&P 500 Futures gained 0.2% to 6,503.0, Nasdaq 100 Futures rose 0.4% to 23,771.25, and Dow Jones Futures advanced 0.2% to 45,547.0 by 19:25 ET (23:25 GMT). The uptick followed Friday’s dip on Wall Street after August nonfarm payrolls came in weaker than expected, highlighting a sharp slowdown in job creation. The report also showed unemployment rising, fueling fears of an economic recession.
Despite the disappointing jobs data, markets found support in growing bets that the Fed will cut interest rates in September. According to CME FedWatch, futures pricing showed a 91.7% probability of a 25-basis-point cut at the September 16–17 meeting, with an 8.3% chance of a deeper 50-bps reduction. The Fed has previously indicated that persistent labor market weakness could pave the way for additional easing this year.
Traders are now awaiting key U.S. inflation data for further direction. The August Consumer Price Index, due Thursday, is expected to reflect the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, many of which took effect last month. Economists warn that importers absorbing these costs could drive consumer prices higher. Producer Price Index data is also set for release this week.
While inflation figures are unlikely to sway the Fed’s upcoming September decision, they may influence its policy outlook for the remainder of the year. Officials have consistently cautioned that tariff-related inflationary pressures could complicate or delay further rate cuts, even as recession risks rise.
