Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Holiday Economic Questions: What Bank of America Says You Should Expect 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Hits 1-Month High 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asian stock markets held firm on Wednesday as investor sentiment improved, supported by a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran and a rebound in oil prices. The truce helped offset fears of broader regional conflict, although Israel warned of a strong response to recent Iranian missile strikes. A preliminary U.S. intelligence report contradicted President Trump’s claim that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were "obliterated," suggesting the damage was temporary.
Japan’s Nikkei and Australia’s benchmark were flat, while Taiwan's market rose 1%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbed 0.6%, but China’s blue chips dipped 0.1%. U.S. stock futures remained steady, and the MSCI global equity index held its record high from the previous session.
Brent crude oil edged up 81 cents to $67.95 per barrel, while WTI crude gained 70 cents to $65.07, rebounding slightly after steep drops earlier in the week. Market analysts remain focused on the broader risk of escalation, particularly concerns over U.S. involvement or disruption to the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. dollar weakened, with the dollar index down 0.1% to 97.854. The euro rose to $1.1625, nearing its highest level since October 2021. The dollar slipped 0.1% to 144.70 yen. Two-year U.S. Treasury yields fell to a 1.5-month low of 3.787% amid reduced inflation fears due to lower energy costs.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that rising tariffs could push inflation higher in the summer, potentially impacting interest rate decisions. Meanwhile, June data showed a surprise decline in U.S. consumer confidence, reinforcing expectations that the Fed may cut rates, with markets pricing in an 18% chance of a July rate cut.
