Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
Wall Street Slips as Tech Stocks Slide on AI Spending Fears and Earnings Concerns 
Dollar Struggles as Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Markets Despite Official Support 
South Korea Industry Minister Heads to Washington Amid U.S. Tariff Hike Concerns 
Oil Prices Hit Four-Month High as Geopolitical Risks and Supply Disruptions Intensify 
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster 
Bank of Japan Likely to Delay Rate Hike Until July as Economists Eye 1% by September 
Copper Prices Hit Record Highs as Metals Rally Gains Momentum on Geopolitical Tensions 
China Factory Activity Slips in January as Weak Demand Weighs on Growth Outlook 
Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate at 2.25% Amid Trade and Global Uncertainty 
India Budget 2026: Modi Government Eyes Reforms Amid Global Uncertainty and Fiscal Pressures 
Philippine Economy Slows in Late 2025, Raising Expectations of Further Rate Cuts 
BOJ Rate Decision in Focus as Yen Weakness and Inflation Shape Market Outlook 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Retreats After Fed Decision 
The Federal Reserve kicked off its rate-cutting cycle earlier this month with a 50-basis-point cut. The upcoming October nonfarm payrolls report, expected on Friday, will be closely watched. Economists project the U.S. to have added around 144,000 jobs, providing insights into how the labor market is performing amid rate changes.
The data is key for investors looking to gauge a "soft landing," where inflation is curbed without major impacts on economic growth. If the numbers disappoint, recession concerns may rise. Conversely, stronger-than-expected job growth could signal that the Fed may not cut rates as aggressively as some expect.
Powell’s Speech on Economic Outlook
Fed Chair Jerome Powell will speak to the National Association for Business Economics on Monday. His remarks are likely to echo his previous press conference, where he cited growing confidence in controlling inflation and the shift in risks affecting the labor market as justification for the outsized rate cut. Additionally, comments from regional Fed presidents Bowman, Bostic, Barkin, and Williams are anticipated this week.
Labor market data from Tuesday’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and Wednesday's ADP private sector report will provide further indications before the main jobs report.
Q4 Market Volatility
The fourth quarter begins amid continued market volatility. Stocks have recently hit record highs, and China’s stimulus efforts have impacted global borrowing costs and oil prices. The upcoming U.S. election in November is expected to add more uncertainty to market dynamics.
Eurozone Inflation Trends
The eurozone is set to release flash September inflation data on Tuesday, a key indicator as the European Central Bank debates further rate cuts in October. Economists expect inflation to fall below the ECB's 2% target, primarily due to lower energy prices.
Oil Prices Fluctuate
Oil prices fell over the past week, with Brent crude down about 3% and U.S. crude futures dropping 5%. While China’s economic stimulus offered support, supply concerns grew following reports that OPEC+ will proceed with plans\ to increase production by 180,000 barrels per day starting in December. Energy traders will be watching labor market data, as interest rate cuts typically boost economic activity and energy demand.
—Reuters contributed reporting
