Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Oil Prices Hold Near Two-Week Highs as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut and Monitor Geopolitical Risks 
ECB Signals Steady Rates Ahead as Policymakers Warn of Inflation Risks 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Hits 1-Month High 
Gold Prices Inch Higher as Fed Rate-Cut Expectations Strengthen 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
UK Job Market Shows Persistent Weakness Ahead of November Budget 
U.S. Defense Bill Sets Record $901 Billion Budget, Includes Ukraine Aid 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
The U.S. dollar held steady on Thursday, shrugging off weak domestic data as markets turned hopeful over signs of easing global trade tensions. Despite suffering its steepest monthly decline in over two years through April, the greenback regained ground as President Donald Trump hinted at potential trade deals with China, India, South Korea, and Japan.
In early Asian trading, the dollar rose 0.5% against both the euro and the pound, reaching $1.1328 per euro and $1.3323 per pound. It also climbed to 142.93 yen. Analysts see this as a short-term boost driven by speculation of de-escalating trade disputes. Richard Franulovich of Westpac noted, “We’re in a window here where we’re on a de-escalation path.”
Trump’s comments followed a statement by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who clarified that no formal trade talks with China are currently underway. Meanwhile, U.S. data revealed a surprise GDP contraction in Q1, largely due to a surge in imports ahead of tariff hikes. Yet, economists highlighted resilience in private consumption.
Investors are awaiting key U.S. jobless claims and ISM manufacturing data, but the spotlight is on Friday’s April jobs report, expected to show a hiring slowdown to 130,000. Market focus also turns to the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting, as uncertainty around the U.S.-Japan trade relationship and global economic conditions cloud Japan’s interest rate trajectory. No changes are expected, but any dovish signals could weaken the yen further.
The Australian dollar edged up 0.2% to $0.6413 following slightly higher-than-expected inflation data, while the New Zealand dollar remained stable at $0.5940, both showing resilience within their trading ranges.
