Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
U.S. stock futures remained flat Wednesday evening after a mixed trading session, as markets digested geopolitical developments and Federal Reserve updates. S&P 500 Futures hovered at 6,145.25, Nasdaq 100 Futures stayed muted at 22,455.75, and Dow Jones Futures held at 43,302.0.
Investor sentiment was shaped by a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, announced by President Trump earlier in the week. The multi-stage truce followed 12 days of airstrikes and appeared to be holding as of Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed Iran's nuclear capabilities were now "much further" from fruition, despite intelligence assessments suggesting only a short-term delay.
Trump signaled that upcoming talks would pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, crediting U.S. airstrikes for the quick resolution of the conflict.
On Wall Street, the S&P 500 closed flat, staying near record highs. The NASDAQ gained 0.3%, while the Dow slipped 0.3%. NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) surged to a record high after Loop Capital raised its price target to $250, citing strong AI chip demand. Meanwhile, FedEx (NYSE: FDX) dropped over 3% after missing profit forecasts.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell returned to Capitol Hill, maintaining a hawkish stance and warning that inflation driven by tariffs may not be temporary. His comments did little to shift expectations on rate policy but highlighted tensions with President Trump, who criticized Powell’s position and hinted at potential replacements.
Names reportedly under consideration include former Fed governor Kevin Warsh, NEC director Kevin Hassett, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, ex-World Bank chief David Malpass, and current Fed governor Christopher Waller.
Investors remain cautious as global tensions and central bank uncertainty cloud the economic outlook.
