European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
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 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
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 
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 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
U.S. stock futures were little changed Wednesday evening after Wall Street rallied on President Donald Trump’s decision to grant a one-month exemption on new 25% auto tariffs for imports from Mexico and Canada.
S&P 500 Futures held steady at 5,852.25 points, Nasdaq 100 Futures dipped 0.2% to 20,632.75, and Dow Jones Futures remained unchanged at 43,068.0 by 19:25 ET (00:25 GMT).
The White House’s move provides temporary relief to automakers, allowing them more time to adjust supply chains and mitigate immediate cost pressures. The exemption underscores the importance of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), ensuring duty-free access for compliant vehicles. Reports also suggest Trump may exclude certain agricultural products from tariffs, signaling potential negotiations for longer-term trade solutions.
Markets welcomed the announcement, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 1.1%, snapping a two-day losing streak. The S&P 500 also rose 1.1%, while the NASDAQ Composite jumped 1.5%. Automaker stocks surged, with General Motors (NYSE:GM) soaring 7.2%, Ford (NYSE:F) climbing 5.8%, Stellantis NV (BIT:STLAM) up 9.2%, and U.S.-listed Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) gaining 6.5%.
Economic data showed unexpected growth in the U.S. services sector in February, as the ISM Services PMI rose to 53.5 from 52.8, beating forecasts. However, rising input prices, fueled by new tariffs and higher raw material costs, could stoke inflation concerns.
Investors now await Friday’s jobs report, which could influence Federal Reserve policy and interest rate outlooks.
