Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian markets traded mixed on Wednesday, with Japanese shares slipping amid weak trade data and Australian stocks rallying on dovish signals from the central bank. The Nikkei 225 dropped 0.3% after Japan reported an unexpected trade deficit in April, driven by slowing exports and resilient imports, underscoring the impact of U.S. tariffs. This comes ahead of a third round of Japan-U.S. trade talks, with Tokyo firm on its stance to remove tariffs.
Australian stocks climbed, with the ASX 200 up 0.8% to a three-month high. Gains in energy and gold sectors were fueled by rising oil and bullion prices, sparked by reports of Israel possibly targeting Iran’s nuclear sites. Investor sentiment was further lifted by the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 25 basis point rate cut, along with a dovish outlook signaling potential for more easing.
China’s Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 rose 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively, as the People’s Bank of China trimmed lending rates to support growth. However, gains were capped by tensions with the U.S. over chip restrictions. Beijing criticized Washington’s moves to block Huawei chips abroad, warning that such policies risk unraveling recent trade truces.
Broader market sentiment was cautious following a Moody’s U.S. credit downgrade and Fed officials warning that trade tariffs could sustain inflation, delaying interest rate cuts. Geopolitical tensions also loomed, with reports of possible Israeli military action against Iran.
South Korea’s KOSPI gained 1%, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index dipped 0.2%. Meanwhile, Gift Nifty 50 Futures signaled a flat open for Indian markets after recent losses from a seven-month high.
Global investors remained wary amid macroeconomic uncertainty, inflation risks, and escalating geopolitical developments.
