Japan’s Q3 Economic Contraction Deepens as Revised Data Signals Stronger Headwinds 
Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Hits 1-Month High 
Global Currencies Steady Ahead of Key Central Bank Decisions 
BOJ’s Noguchi Calls for Cautious, Gradual Interest Rate Hikes to Sustain Inflation Goals 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Bank of Korea Holds Interest Rates Steady as Weak Won Limits Policy Flexibility 
Japan’s Rising Inflation Strengthens Case for a Near-Term BOJ Rate Hike 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
Singapore Maintains Steady Monetary Outlook as Positive Output Gap Persists into 2025 
Gold Prices Inch Higher as Fed Rate-Cut Expectations Strengthen 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Canada’s main stock index opened the week trading mostly flat, stabilizing after Friday’s pullback as investors shift focus to major central bank decisions. The S&P/TSX Composite Index slipped 0.5% in the previous session, losing 166 points to close at 31,311.41, with decliners narrowly outpacing gainers. Despite the dip, the index recently touched record highs, supported by strong quarterly results from Canada’s major banks.
Market sentiment is being shaped largely by expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again this Wednesday. Anticipation strengthened after the delayed September core PCE index—widely viewed as the Fed’s preferred inflation measure—showed softer-than-expected price growth. Coupled with weakening labor market signals and cooling consumer spending, investors are increasingly confident the Fed will move ahead with additional policy easing to support the U.S. economy.
The Bank of Canada will also make its rate announcement on Wednesday, though analysts broadly expect policymakers to hold the benchmark rate at 2.25%. With inflation now firmly within the target range and the Canadian economy showing steady growth, economists project that interest rates could remain unchanged until at least 2027, reducing the likelihood of near-term cuts.
Gold prices were mostly stable, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar and rising expectations of a Fed rate cut. Spot gold inched up 0.4% to $4,212.67 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures dipped slightly to $4,242.15. Investor caution kept gains modest despite growing conviction that monetary policy will loosen.
Oil prices retreated after hitting two-week highs, as traders locked in profits ahead of the Fed decision. Brent crude fell 1.1% to $63.08 a barrel, while WTI slipped to $59.43. Broader energy market sentiment remains sensitive to geopolitical developments, including slow progress in Ukraine peace efforts and ongoing G7–EU discussions about replacing the Russian oil price cap with a stricter maritime services ban.
