U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
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 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
China's Premier Li Qiang will announce the nation's 2025 economic targets at the annual parliamentary meeting on March 5. Analysts expect Beijing to maintain its ambitious 5% growth target, despite ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. Last year, China achieved 5.0% GDP growth, driven by strong exports and late-stage stimulus efforts.
The government plans to raise its budget deficit to 4% of GDP, up from 3% in 2024, aligning with its "proactive" fiscal policy. A record-breaking 3 trillion yuan ($413 billion) in special treasury bonds is expected, a significant increase from last year’s 1 trillion yuan. About 1.3 trillion yuan will support consumer subsidies, business equipment upgrades, and strategic investments in sectors like electric vehicles, semiconductors, robotics, and green energy. Additionally, at least 400 billion yuan may be injected into state banks to strengthen liquidity.
Local governments are likely to receive a higher special debt quota, with estimates ranging from 4.5 trillion to 4.7 trillion yuan, up from 3.9 trillion yuan in 2024.
China prioritizes employment stability, having created 12.56 million urban jobs last year. A similar target is expected in 2025, with an unemployment rate goal of around 5.0%, down from 5.5%. With a record 12.22 million college graduates entering the job market, employment policies will be crucial.
China may lower its inflation target to "around 2%" from "around 3%," reflecting concerns over deflation. Consumer prices rose just 0.2% last year, making inflation less of a focal point.
These economic strategies highlight Beijing’s efforts to balance growth, fiscal expansion, and job stability in a challenging global landscape.
