Asian Currencies Hold Steady Amid U.S.-Israel-Iran Tensions and BOJ Signals 
China Manufacturing PMI Hits 12-Month High Amid Energy Price Concerns 
RBC Capital: European Medtech Firms Show Minimal Middle East and Energy Risk Exposure 
Oil Prices Hold Near Multi-Year Highs Amid Iran Conflict and Hormuz Supply Fears 
South Korea Manufacturing PMI Hits 4-Year High in March 2025 Driven by Semiconductor Demand 
Dollar Surges to Monthly High as Middle East Conflict Rattles Global Markets 
Aluminum Prices Surge Toward Four-Year Highs After Gulf Smelter Strikes 
Bessent: Global Oil Market Well Supplied as U.S. Eyes Hormuz Navigation Control 
South Korea's Exports Hit Record High in March on AI-Driven Chip Demand 
Asian Stocks Mixed in March 2026 Amid Iran War Fears and Tech Selloff 
Iran Strikes Oil Tanker Near Dubai Amid U.S. Threats and Ongoing Middle East Conflict 
Canada's Economy Grows Modestly in January 2025, Driven by Energy and Construction 
U.S. Stock Futures Surge After WSJ Report on Trump's Iran War Exit Strategy 
WTO Ministerial Collapse Leaves Global Digital Trade Rules in Limbo 
U.S. Dollar Posts Strong Monthly Gain Amid Middle East Conflict Despite Late Dip 
Australia Bans Card Payment Surcharges Starting October 2025 
U.S. Trade Rep Dismisses WTO's Future Role After Failed Cameroon Summit 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher After Strong Payrolls
U.S. stock index futures saw slight gains on Sunday evening following upbeat sentiment from last week’s robust nonfarm payroll data. Investors now turn their focus to potential interest rate changes and key corporate earnings due this week.
Wall Street Rallies on Payroll Data, Dampens Rate Cut Hopes
Wall Street closed sharply higher on Friday after nonfarm payroll data exceeded expectations, alleviating fears of a slowing U.S. economy. However, the data also reduced expectations for steep interest rate cuts in the coming months. By 19:34 ET (23:34 GMT), S&P 500 Futures rose 0.1% to 5,804.50, Nasdaq 100 Futures gained 0.1% to 20,245.50, and Dow Jones Futures inched up 0.1% to 5,751.07.
Fed Commentary and CPI Inflation in Focus
This week, attention is on the Federal Reserve, with officials Michelle Bowman, Neel Kashkari, and Raphael Bostic speaking on Monday. Their insights precede the release of September meeting minutes on Wednesday, which could shed light on the Fed's decision to cut rates by 50 basis points, marking the start of an easing cycle. September CPI data, also expected this week, will play a crucial role in shaping rate forecasts.
Friday’s strong payroll report shifted trader expectations, as they now predict a gradual pace of rate cuts, with the CME FedWatch tool reflecting increased bets on a higher terminal rate.
Q3 Earnings Season Kicks Off with Major Banks
The third-quarter earnings season officially kicks off this week with major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of New York Mellon reporting results on Friday. These earnings will provide insights into how corporations are navigating high interest rates and persistent inflation. The pace of earnings reports is set to increase next week, focusing on banks and tech giants.
Conclusion
Market sentiment is currently a mix of optimism and caution, balancing strong economic data with the anticipation of rate decisions and corporate earnings performance. Key events this week include Fed commentary, CPI data, and early Q3 earnings reports from major banks.
