U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Oil Prices Hold Near Two-Week Highs as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut and Monitor Geopolitical Risks 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Global Currencies Steady Ahead of Key Central Bank Decisions 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
Gold Prices Inch Higher as Fed Rate-Cut Expectations Strengthen 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
U.S. Defense Bill Sets Record $901 Billion Budget, Includes Ukraine Aid 
Holiday Economic Questions: What Bank of America Says You Should Expect 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian currencies declined on Tuesday, while the U.S. dollar edged higher after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on metal imports, fueling concerns over a potential trade war.
Trade-sensitive currencies, including the South Korean won, Australian dollar, and Singapore dollar, were among the biggest losers. The Japanese yen saw some safe-haven demand, limiting its losses, while the Chinese yuan remained stable.
The dollar index rose 0.1%, extending gains from the previous session. Trump signed executive orders imposing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, with potential for additional tariffs. Traders speculated that these measures could drive inflation, influencing future interest rate decisions.
The USDKRW and USDSGD pairs increased by 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively, while the AUDUSD fell 0.2%, despite positive consumer sentiment data in Australia. The yen held near a two-month low as bets on Bank of Japan rate hikes increased. The Chinese yuan remained steady, backed by Beijing’s intervention following recent U.S. tariffs.
India’s rupee stabilized after nearing record lows, supported by the Reserve Bank of India. However, concerns grew after Trump’s top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, criticized India’s high import tariffs. Reports suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing tariff cuts on key sectors, including electronics and medical equipment, ahead of discussions with Trump.
Market participants now await key U.S. inflation data, expected to influence the Federal Reserve’s rate outlook. Asian currencies remain under pressure amid growing trade tensions and shifting monetary policies.
