Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
U.S. Defense Bill Sets Record $901 Billion Budget, Includes Ukraine Aid 
UK Job Market Shows Persistent Weakness Ahead of November Budget 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Oil Prices Hold Near Two-Week Highs as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut and Monitor Geopolitical Risks 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Global Currencies Steady Ahead of Key Central Bank Decisions 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Decline as Dollar Strengthens Ahead of Key Data Releases
Asian currencies experienced slight declines on Tuesday as traders adopted a cautious stance, anticipating a series of significant economic reports. A stronger U.S. dollar, boosted by recent gains, pressured regional currencies as concerns over upcoming economic data and political events influenced trading sentiment.
Japanese Yen Stabilizes Amid Political Uncertainty
Following a steep drop to near three-month lows, the Japanese yen managed a modest recovery, gaining 0.2% against the U.S. dollar. This uptick came after Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring currency market volatility. The yen had fallen sharply post-election, as Japan’s ruling LDP coalition lost its majority, introducing heightened political uncertainty. Analysts expect the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to hold interest rates steady in its Thursday meeting, with policymakers cautious given the political backdrop.
Dollar Maintains Strength Amid Key U.S. Economic Data
The U.S. dollar index remained stable, hovering near recent highs, supported by expectations of a gradual approach to interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Traders await U.S. GDP data on Thursday, followed by the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the PCE price index, and nonfarm payrolls on Friday. These indicators could provide further insights into the Fed’s monetary strategy.
Regional Currency Movements
Asian currencies generally softened amid dollar strength. The Australian dollar fell 0.2% ahead of its inflation report, while China’s yuan gained 0.2% as markets awaited PMI data to gauge Beijing’s recent stimulus impact. The South Korean won and Singapore dollar also rose modestly, while the Indian rupee held near recent record lows.
