U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Asian markets rose on Thursday, tracking gains in U.S. futures after a U.S. court blocked President Donald Trump’s proposed “liberation day” trade tariffs. Technology shares led the rally, buoyed by strong earnings from NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), while South Korean stocks outperformed on a surprise interest rate cut.
The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose steep reciprocal tariffs. The decision raised hopes of a pause in aggressive trade duties, though the White House signaled plans to appeal, injecting short-term uncertainty into global markets.
South Korea’s KOSPI surged over 1.7%, driven by gains in chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, key suppliers to Nvidia. The Bank of Korea’s 25 basis point rate cut and dovish outlook further fueled investor optimism, making Korean equities the top regional performers.
China’s Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 indices rose 0.8% each, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.5%, although concerns over deflation and weak growth capped further upside. China remains under heavy U.S. tariffs, some reaching 245%, though recent signs of easing were noted.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.8%, while the TOPIX index rose 1.5%, supported by strength in technology stocks. Taiwan’s TSMC added 0.6%, and Hon Hai Precision jumped 3.6% on positive 2025 forecasts.
Elsewhere, Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.3%, while Singapore’s Straits Times dipped 0.2%. India’s Gift Nifty 50 futures pointed to a 0.4% rise, signaling a strong open.
Overall, the combination of easing trade tensions, dovish monetary policy, and tech optimism drove regional equities higher, with markets closely watching the tariff appeal process and AI sector momentum.
