Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
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 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
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 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Gathering of Global Finance Chiefs
This week, over 10,000 global finance leaders will gather in Washington for the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The discussions come amid rising uncertainties due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe, a struggling Chinese economy, and the upcoming U.S. presidential election that could spark new trade disputes.
Key Issues on the Agenda
A primary concern at the meetings will be the potential impact of the Nov. 5 U.S. election, particularly regarding the possibility of Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, implementing substantial tariffs and shifting away from climate cooperation. Josh Lipsky, former IMF official and current head of the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center, emphasized the election's implications on trade policy and the global dollar's future, stating, "This issue is not on the official agenda, but it's on everyone's mind."
In contrast, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is expected to uphold the Biden administration's approach to multilateral cooperation on climate and tax relief if elected.
Economic Outlook and Challenges
The IMF plans to update its global growth forecasts, with Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighting a challenging outlook due to high debts affecting medium-term growth. While some regions show resilience, such as the U.S. and India, challenges persist in China and Europe.
Key discussions will also focus on trade tensions with China and increasing debt distress among emerging markets, which hinder investment opportunities as international aid decreases.
Conclusion
As the meetings coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Bretton Woods institutions, World Bank President Ajay Banga aims to prioritize actionable strategies over merely identifying problems. "Rather than admire the problem, let's focus on solutions," Banga stated, reinforcing the urgency of the global financial landscape. maintained, reflecting current sentiments in economic policy.
