Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
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 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Japan’s manufacturing sector shrank for the eighth straight month in February, as weak global demand and concerns over U.S. trade policies weighed on business confidence, according to the final au Jibun Bank Japan Manufacturing PMI. The index edged up to 49.0 from January’s 48.7 but remained below the 50.0 threshold, signaling continued contraction.
Manufacturers cited subdued demand from key markets, including the U.S., Europe, and China. Output declined for the sixth consecutive month, though at a slower pace, while new orders remained weak, continuing a downward trend since mid-2023. Business optimism softened to its lowest level since June 2020, reflecting mounting concerns over economic uncertainty.
Rising input costs, driven by higher raw material, labor, and utility expenses, along with exchange rate fluctuations, prompted firms to increase selling prices at a faster rate. Meanwhile, employment levels stagnated as new hires were offset by retirements and voluntary departures.
Concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s potential tariff policies added to uncertainty, with businesses fearing further disruptions to global trade. Many manufacturers highlighted the risk of prolonged weakness in domestic and international markets, slowing economic recovery.
Despite persistent challenges, Japanese manufacturers remained cautiously optimistic about future output. However, the outlook remains fragile amid ongoing global headwinds.
