Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Record-Breaking Debt Sales in Australia
Australian dollar debt sales are experiencing unprecedented growth, with A$267.6 billion (approximately $180.4 billion) raised as of October 8, the highest figure recorded since 1995. This surge is primarily driven by the refinancing of pandemic-era borrowings amid strong investor demand.
Key Market Insights
Financial institutions have contributed A$95.6 billion in debt, marking a record year-to-date issuance. Additionally, A$61.4 billion has been raised in asset and mortgage-backed securities, while corporate issuance has surged nearly 70% year-on-year, totaling A$26.4 billion.
However, market experts note a recent slowdown in activity. Simon Ward, head of debt capital markets for Australasia at Mizuho Securities Asia, highlights the potential for increased volatility as the U.S. election approaches, which could impact investor sentiment and market conditions.
Demand Dynamics
According to LSEG data, Australian bond funds attracted $4.8 billion in the first three quarters of 2024, the largest influx in 14 years. Performance metrics are also promising; the ICE BofA index of AAA Australian corporate debt has risen 3.8%, outperforming the 2.2% increase of the U.S. AAA corporate index.
Market Outlook
Despite the slowdown, the Australian dollar debt market remains a critical segment of the global $7.2 trillion debt capital market. While domestic banks dominate, international players are increasingly participating, indicating a seller's market driven by strong demand from yield-seeking Asian investors.
As the year progresses, market stakeholders must stay vigilant, adapting to evolving conditions as the U.S. election introduces uncertainty into the global financial landscape.
