Australia Bans Card Payment Surcharges Starting October 2025 
Oil Prices Climb as Middle East Conflict Keeps Supply Risks Elevated 
Oil Prices Surge to Record Monthly Highs as Middle East War Rattles Global Markets 
U.S. Stocks Surge on Iran War De-escalation Hopes 
WTO Ministerial Collapse Leaves Global Digital Trade Rules in Limbo 
Japan's Business Confidence Rises Despite Iran War Uncertainty, BOJ Rate Hike Expected 
China Manufacturing PMI Hits 12-Month High Amid Energy Price Concerns 
Gold Prices Rebound But Head for Worst Month Since 2008 Amid Iran War Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Hold Near Multi-Year Highs Amid Iran Conflict and Hormuz Supply Fears 
RBC Capital: European Medtech Firms Show Minimal Middle East and Energy Risk Exposure 
Japan Business Sentiment Rises as Iran War Fuels Inflation Fears, BOJ Rate Hike Looms 
U.S. Dollar Posts Strong Monthly Gain Amid Middle East Conflict Despite Late Dip 
Asian Stocks Surge on Trump's Iran War Comments and Dip-Buying 
Canada's Economy Grows Modestly in January 2025, Driven by Energy and Construction 
Bank of Korea Nominee Shin Hyun-song Calls for Flexible Monetary Policy Amid Iran War Risks 
South Korea's Exports Hit Record High in March on AI-Driven Chip Demand 
South Korea Manufacturing PMI Hits 4-Year High in March 2025 Driven by Semiconductor Demand 
Asian Markets Steady Amid Earnings Season and Rate Cuts
Most Asian stocks traded within a narrow range on Monday, reflecting investor caution ahead of the upcoming earnings season. Chinese markets saw modest gains following a rate cut from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), which exceeded expectations.
U.S. Market Influences Asian Stocks
Regional markets gained some traction from Wall Street’s positive performance, where U.S. stock indexes closed near record highs on Friday. In Asian trading, Wall Street futures were also mildly positive, indicating continued optimism.
Chinese Stocks Rise Post Rate Cut
Chinese indexes, including the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and the Shanghai Composite, rose approximately 0.7% amid volatile trading after the PBOC lowered its benchmark loan prime rates. This cut is part of a broader stimulus strategy from Beijing aimed at boosting economic growth. However, despite initial enthusiasm, Chinese stocks have seen recent pullbacks due to investor disappointment over the lack of detailed plans regarding the timing and scale of stimulus measures.
Regional Reactions and Outlook
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dipped by 0.2%, suggesting cautious sentiment among foreign investors regarding China’s rate cut. Despite mixed economic signals from the region, Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.6%, benefiting from its strong trade ties with China.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.3%, while the TOPIX index remained flat. South Korea’s KOSPI showed little change, and futures for India’s Nifty 50 index hinted at a positive opening as it attempts to breach the 25,000-point threshold.
