Asian Stocks Climb as Weak U.S. Data Fuels Fed Rate Cut Expectations

Asian markets advanced on Wednesday, following gains on Wall Street after softer U.S. economic data boosted expectations of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve next month. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan climbed 1%, tracking the upward momentum from U.S. equities. Japan’s Nikkei jumped 1.8%, while U.S. stock futures edged up another 0.2%, signaling continued optimism.

U.S. stocks rebounded for a third straight session on Tuesday, regaining ground lost during this month’s earlier selloff. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both extended gains after retail sales came in weaker than anticipated and consumer confidence slipped. The softer data strengthened market bets that the Fed could lower rates at its December 10 meeting. According to the CME FedWatch tool, traders now price in an 80.7% chance of a 25-basis-point cut, up sharply from even odds just a week ago.

Analysts at Westpac noted a “sea of green” across global markets, as expectations for Fed easing lifted sentiment. U.S. Treasury yields also reacted to the shifting outlook. The benchmark 10-year yield briefly dipped below 4% for the first time this month before stabilizing slightly above that level.

Oil prices steadied after Tuesday’s decline, driven in part by comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy suggesting readiness to advance a U.S.-backed peace plan. The possibility of reduced sanctions on Russia has fueled concerns of increased supply. Brent crude rose 0.3% to $62.68 after hitting a five-week low.

In currency markets, the euro held at $1.1564, while the dollar gained 0.2% against the yen. The British pound traded flat at $1.3166 as investors awaited the UK budget, where Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is expected to roll out tax hikes amid weakening economic forecasts.

The New Zealand dollar surged 0.9% to $0.5669 after the RBNZ cut rates by 25 basis points to 2.25% while dialing back dovish guidance. Australia also saw gains, with local shares rising 0.7% and the Australian dollar firming after inflation data hinted that the central bank’s easing cycle may be ending.

Spot gold inched up 0.2% to $4,131.78, while bitcoin rose 0.5% to $87,438.53, adding support to a broadly positive market tone.