Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
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 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
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 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
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 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
European stock markets opened higher Monday, with investors focusing on upcoming eurozone inflation data and the European Central Bank’s (ECB) policy meeting. At 03:05 ET (08:05 GMT), Germany’s DAX gained 0.9%, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.2%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 climbed 0.4%.
The ECB is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 2.50% on Thursday to stimulate the sluggish eurozone economy. Markets anticipate around 90 basis points of rate cuts by year-end, though uncertainty remains due to U.S. tariff risks, a potential Ukraine ceasefire, and increased European defense spending. Inflation data released later today may provide further clarity after signs of slowing price growth in major eurozone economies last week.
Investors are also watching U.S. tariff developments. President Donald Trump has announced additional 10% tariffs on China and reaffirmed plans for 25% levies on Mexico and Canada. However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the final tariff levels would be determined on Tuesday, leaving room for adjustments.
The European defense sector is in focus as leaders agreed on a peace plan emphasizing increased military spending and a greater role in Ukraine’s defense. Meanwhile, UK-based Bunzl (LON:BNZL) reported quarterly earnings growth, citing an aggressive acquisition strategy, a dividend increase, and a share buyback program.
Oil prices edged higher, supported by strong Chinese manufacturing data. U.S. crude futures (WTI) rose 0.2% to $69.91 a barrel, while Brent gained 0.2% to $72.97. Manufacturing activity in China exceeded expectations, fueled by last year’s stimulus measures.
Meanwhile, uncertainty lingers over a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal after tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, with European leaders reaffirming their support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
