Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian stock markets declined on Monday amid growing concerns over global economic health, following a surprise U.S. credit rating downgrade by Moody’s and mixed economic data from China.
S&P 500 futures fell 0.8% in Asian trading, dragging regional indices lower. The downgrade of the U.S.'s Aaa rating stemmed from concerns about mounting government debt and a lack of credible fiscal measures. The news dampened investor sentiment, which had already cooled after last week’s short-lived rally on easing U.S.-China tariff tensions.
Chinese markets showed mild losses despite stronger-than-expected April industrial production, with the Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 slipping 0.1% and 0.4%, respectively. The Hang Seng dropped 0.6%. However, weak retail sales and disappointing fixed asset investment highlighted persistent pressure on China’s consumer and business spending. The data pointed to deeper challenges as Beijing seeks to stabilize economic growth while high trade tariffs with the U.S. remain in place.
Other major Asian indices also declined. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.3% and the TOPIX lost 0.1%, extending declines after Friday’s weak GDP report. Investors are awaiting Japan’s April inflation data for further clues on future Bank of Japan rate moves. South Korea’s KOSPI dropped 0.7%, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index lost 0.3%.
Australia’s ASX 200 was flat ahead of Tuesday’s Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decision. Markets widely expect a 25-basis point rate cut amid easing inflation, though analysts anticipate a cautious outlook due to global uncertainties.
India’s Gift Nifty futures declined 0.3%, suggesting a subdued open following strong gains last week.
Investors remain on edge as signals from the world’s top economies continue to show fragility, with central bank actions and macro data under close watch this week.
