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 Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
The U.S. dollar hovered near a two-week low on Friday, heading for its steepest weekly drop in a month as investors weighed ongoing U.S. tariff negotiations and awaited key central bank meetings next week. Both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan are expected to hold rates steady, but traders will scrutinize post-meeting comments for signals on future policy moves.
The yen traded at 147.10 per dollar, poised for a 1% weekly gain—its strongest since mid-May—after a U.S.-Japan trade deal reduced tariffs on auto imports to 15%. Economists polled by Reuters anticipate the BOJ will raise rates by 25 basis points this year. The dollar index stood at 97.448, set for a 1% weekly decline, while the euro held at $1.1754, near a four-year high of $1.183. The euro has surged 13.5% this year amid shifting U.S. trade policies.
Hopes for broader trade agreements grew after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed upcoming talks with Chinese officials in Stockholm. The Australian dollar hovered near an eight-month high at $0.6593, supported by improved risk sentiment.
Markets largely dismissed President Donald Trump’s rare visit to the Fed, where he clashed with Chair Jerome Powell over renovation costs and pushed for rate cuts. Fed policymakers are expected to keep rates at 4.25%-4.50%, with futures pricing in 43 basis points of cuts by year-end. Analysts at ANZ forecast 25-basis-point cuts in September and December, citing slowing demand, labor market weakness, and easing service inflation.
Bitcoin slipped 0.79% to $117,840, while Ethereum fell 2% to $3,655, mirroring broader risk sentiment as traders await clarity from upcoming policy decisions.
