Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Global Markets Slide as Tech Stocks Sink, Yields Rise, and AI Concerns Deepen 
Mexico Moves to Increase Tariffs on Asian Imports to Protect Domestic Industries 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Gold Prices Dip as Markets Absorb Dovish Fed Outlook; Silver Eases After Record High 
Wall Street Futures Dip as Broadcom Slides, Tech Weighed Down Despite Dovish Fed Signals 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
U.S. stock futures were flat Tuesday evening as Wall Street awaited the Federal Reserve’s policy decision, expected to deliver the first interest rate cut of 2025. By 20:19 ET (00:19 GMT), S&P 500 futures edged up 0.1% to 6,673.75, Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.1% to 24,549.00, and Dow Jones futures rose 0.1% to 46,166.00.
During Tuesday’s session, the Dow slipped 0.3%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each dipped 0.1% after hitting record highs the previous day. Markets are pricing in a 25-basis-point cut, lowering the benchmark rate to 4.00%-4.25%. A larger 50-basis-point cut remains unlikely, though Fed funds futures suggest policymakers may reduce rates by as much as 70 basis points by year-end.
Investors are focused on the Fed’s updated economic projections and dot plot for clues on the longer-term rate outlook through 2026. Remarks from Chair Jerome Powell will be closely watched to see if the central bank leans toward gradual easing or faster cuts in response to labor market weakness. Recent data has shown softer job growth and a higher unemployment rate, strengthening expectations of monetary support.
Meanwhile, U.S. retail sales for August rose 0.6% month-over-month, surpassing forecasts of 0.2% and highlighting consumer resilience despite tighter financial conditions.
In corporate news, Nvidia stock fell 1.6% after reports of weak demand for its new China-focused AI chip and a Chinese antitrust probe. Oracle shares climbed 1.5% on reports it could play a role in keeping TikTok operational in the U.S. Ford slipped 0.6% after announcing up to 1,000 job cuts at its electric vehicle plant in Cologne, Germany, due to slowing demand.
Overall, traders are bracing for a pivotal Fed announcement that could shape market sentiment and U.S. economic growth for the rest of the year.
