Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
RBA Holds Rates Steady, Emphasizes Inflation Concerns
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.35% on Tuesday, signaling a sustained restrictive monetary stance due to persistent inflation concerns. The decision aligns with market expectations, following the RBA’s last rate hike over a year ago.
Inflation Remains RBA’s Top Priority
The RBA reinforced its commitment to lowering inflation to its target range of 2%–3%, stating that “policy will need to be sufficiently restrictive until inflation is sustainably moving towards the target.” While the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data showed a decrease within the RBA’s target range, underlying inflation remains stubbornly high, with a sustainable drop only anticipated by 2026.
Economic Growth Slows Amid High Rates
Australia’s economy has cooled in recent quarters due to rising borrowing costs, yet inflation remains high, driven by a strong labor market, elevated housing expenses, and persistent service costs. Despite economic pressures, the RBA has not signaled any shift towards easing monetary policy, diverging from other central banks like the U.S. Federal Reserve, which has started cutting rates.
Market Reactions
Following the RBA’s decision, the Australian dollar gained slightly, with the AUD/USD pair rising by 0.1%, as investors anticipate higher rates for an extended period. However, Australian stocks continued to struggle, with the ASX 200 index trading 0.4% lower.
