Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Stocks Decline on Election Fears and Economic Data
Most Asian stock markets experienced declines on Wednesday as investor risk appetite waned ahead of a tight U.S. presidential election and a series of critical economic data releases this week.
Japanese Markets Thrive Despite Political Uncertainty
Japan's Nikkei 225 index emerged as a standout performer in Asia, surging over 1%, while the TOPIX index climbed 0.8%. This upward trend was largely driven by gains in technology stocks, which followed the positive momentum of their U.S. counterparts. The recent loss of the parliamentary majority by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has intensified political uncertainty, raising expectations for increased fiscal spending and a halt to potential interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). Consequently, the yen weakened, benefiting local exporters.
The BOJ is anticipated to maintain its current interest rates during Thursday’s meeting, amid growing political resistance to rate increases.
Chinese Stocks Remain Steady Amid Economic Signals
In China, the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes showed muted movements, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dipped 0.4%. Investor attention turned to the upcoming purchasing managers’ index (PMI) readings, expected Thursday and Friday, as China continues to face sluggish growth. Recent major stimulus announcements from Beijing have generated limited optimism, with further fiscal measures anticipated from next week’s National People’s Congress meeting.
Regional Overview
Broader Asian markets were mostly negative, reflecting strained risk sentiment. Australia’s ASX 200 fell 0.6% following sticky inflation data, suggesting a potential hawkish shift from the Reserve Bank of Australia next week. Meanwhile, South Korea’s KOSPI slipped 0.2% as local chipmakers tracked an 8% drop in AMD shares, following a disappointing outlook from the chipmaker.
