U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Japan's Core Inflation Declines Amid Energy Subsidies
Japan's core inflation rate slowed to 2.4% in September from a previous 2.8%, largely attributed to the government's rollout of energy subsidies. While this decline is significant, an index excluding fresh food and fuel remained steady at 2.1%, indicating persistent price pressures that could influence the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) future interest rate decisions.
Despite this slowdown, a Reuters poll revealed that inflation in Tokyo, a key indicator of national trends, is expected to fall below the BOJ's 2% target in October. This tepid performance raises concerns about the sustainability of wage growth as a driver for consumption.
Economists, including Junichi Makino from SMBC Nikko Securities, anticipate that falling global commodity prices and a strengthening yen will further reduce food prices in the coming months. Nationwide data for September showed service inflation decelerating to 1.3%, reinforcing the BOJ's cautious stance on future rate hikes.
As Japan's economy showed a robust annualized growth of 2.9% in Q2, the central bank will closely analyze upcoming data to assess whether domestic demand can support stable inflation rates. With the BOJ's next policy meeting scheduled for October 30-31, market analysts predict potential rate hikes may occur by March next year.
