EU Approves €90 Billion Ukraine Aid as Frozen Russian Asset Plan Stalls 
Japan Signals Possible Yen Intervention as Currency Weakens Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
UK Economy Grows 0.1% in Q3 2025 as Outlook Remains Fragile 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
Why U.S. Coffee Prices Are Staying High Despite Trump’s Tariff Rollbacks 
Oil Prices Steady in Asia but Headed for Weekly Loss on Supply Glut Concerns 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Yen Slides as BOJ Caution Undercuts Rate Hike Impact 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy Shares Support MOEX Index 
Global Demand for Yuan Loans and Bonds Surges as China Pushes Currency Internationalization 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise Ahead of Holiday-Shortened Week as AI Optimism Lifts Tech 
Precious Metals Rally as Silver and Platinum Outperform on Rate Cut Bets 
China’s Power Market Revamp Fuels Global Boom in Energy Storage Batteries 
U.S. September Inflation Data in Focus
Thursday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) release is expected to show that inflation moderated at the end of Q3, following a stronger-than-expected jobs report last week. This data will be crucial for understanding how the Federal Reserve approaches rate cuts in the coming months. A tamer Producer Price Index (PPI) on Friday would further support the case for controlled inflation, reinforcing the Fed’s target of 2%.
According to UBS analysts, the CPI report is pivotal: “If prices rise faster than expected, alongside strong labor data, the likelihood of the Fed skipping a November rate cut increases.” The Fed’s September meeting minutes, to be released on Wednesday will provide insights into the central bank’s decision-making and its outlook on future rate adjustments.
U.S. Earnings Season Kicks Off
Q3 earnings season is beginning, with major financial firms such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and BlackRock reporting on Friday. These results will offer a vital view into the economy’s health, including loan demand and consumer spending. Investors will also watch for signs that the recent Fed rate cut stimulates economic activity, such as auto sales or other major purchases. Additionally, results from companies like PepsiCo and Delta Air Lines will provide further context on consumer demand and market resilience.
Oil Price Volatility Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Oil prices experienced a sharp rise last week, with Brent crude gaining 8% and WTI rising 9.1%, mainly due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, U.S. President Joe Biden's discouragement of Israeli action on Iranian oil facilities helped contain price spikes. Iran, a key OPEC+ member, produces around 3.2 million barrels per day. Any disruption to its supply could significantly impact global oil markets, despite OPEC+'s spare production capacity.
Central Bank Outlook: RBNZ and RBA
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand meets on Wednesday, with speculation of a rate cut following the Fed's example. This decision could indicate a shift in global monetary policies to stimulate economic growth. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia will publish its September meeting minutes on Tuesday, providing insights on its hawkish hold and the domestic economy.
