Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher After Strong Payrolls
U.S. stock index futures saw slight gains on Sunday evening following upbeat sentiment from last week’s robust nonfarm payroll data. Investors now turn their focus to potential interest rate changes and key corporate earnings due this week.
Wall Street Rallies on Payroll Data, Dampens Rate Cut Hopes
Wall Street closed sharply higher on Friday after nonfarm payroll data exceeded expectations, alleviating fears of a slowing U.S. economy. However, the data also reduced expectations for steep interest rate cuts in the coming months. By 19:34 ET (23:34 GMT), S&P 500 Futures rose 0.1% to 5,804.50, Nasdaq 100 Futures gained 0.1% to 20,245.50, and Dow Jones Futures inched up 0.1% to 5,751.07.
Fed Commentary and CPI Inflation in Focus
This week, attention is on the Federal Reserve, with officials Michelle Bowman, Neel Kashkari, and Raphael Bostic speaking on Monday. Their insights precede the release of September meeting minutes on Wednesday, which could shed light on the Fed's decision to cut rates by 50 basis points, marking the start of an easing cycle. September CPI data, also expected this week, will play a crucial role in shaping rate forecasts.
Friday’s strong payroll report shifted trader expectations, as they now predict a gradual pace of rate cuts, with the CME FedWatch tool reflecting increased bets on a higher terminal rate.
Q3 Earnings Season Kicks Off with Major Banks
The third-quarter earnings season officially kicks off this week with major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of New York Mellon reporting results on Friday. These earnings will provide insights into how corporations are navigating high interest rates and persistent inflation. The pace of earnings reports is set to increase next week, focusing on banks and tech giants.
Conclusion
Market sentiment is currently a mix of optimism and caution, balancing strong economic data with the anticipation of rate decisions and corporate earnings performance. Key events this week include Fed commentary, CPI data, and early Q3 earnings reports from major banks.
