China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian currencies traded in a narrow range on Thursday, while the U.S. dollar stabilized after the Federal Reserve delivered a widely expected 25-basis-point rate cut. The move, aimed at supporting a weakening labor market, was accompanied by cautious commentary from Chair Jerome Powell, who signaled that further easing will be measured despite pressure from former President Donald Trump for more aggressive cuts. The dollar index, which had recently fallen to a 3½-year low, rebounded on Wednesday and held steady in Asian trading.
The Japanese yen traded around 146.98 per dollar, consolidating gains this week as investors awaited the Bank of Japan’s policy outcome on Friday. The BOJ is expected to leave rates unchanged, but sticky inflation and political uncertainty following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation could set the stage for hawkish signals. Japan’s August CPI data, due ahead of the meeting, is expected to show core inflation well above the 2% target.
Across Asia, most currencies steadied after earlier gains on bets of lower U.S. rates. Safe havens like gold and the yen firmed, while risk-driven assets saw mixed sentiment. The Chinese yuan edged 0.1% higher after nearing 10-month highs, supported by Beijing’s latest pledge for consumer-driven stimulus.
The New Zealand dollar fell 0.6% after GDP data showed a second-quarter contraction, making it the region’s weakest performer. The Australian dollar slipped 0.1% after hitting 10-month highs, while the Indian rupee weakened 0.3% but remained under the 88 mark. Meanwhile, the South Korean won and Singapore dollar also dipped 0.3% and 0.1% respectively, reflecting cautious sentiment amid ongoing global uncertainty.
