Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
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 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
The U.S. dollar held firm on Wednesday, maintaining overnight gains as traders awaited key inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s rate cut decision at its September 16–17 policy meeting. Markets remain confident in at least a 25 basis point (bps) cut, with only a slim 5% chance priced in for a larger 50 bps move.
Investors are closely watching U.S. producer price inflation figures due Wednesday and consumer price data on Thursday. Analysts suggest only a significant downside surprise in core inflation would push the Fed toward a bigger cut. With services inflation proving sticky and the Fed’s preference for gradual easing, a jumbo cut appears unlikely.
The dollar index was steady at 97.834, after rising 0.3% on Tuesday, though it remains down about 10% in 2025 as rate cut expectations and trade policy uncertainty weigh on sentiment. The euro slipped to $1.1698, sterling traded at $1.3522, and the yen hovered at 147.42 per dollar. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar held near a seven-week high at $0.6587.
Recent data revealed U.S. job growth was weaker than initially reported, with 911,000 fewer jobs created in the 12 months through March, reinforcing Fed easing bets despite concerns over economic momentum. Analysts caution, however, that an outsized cut could hurt sentiment and appear politically influenced.
Global politics also added volatility. In Asia, Indonesia’s rupiah slid 1% after Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati’s removal shocked markets, raising concerns over fiscal discipline under President Prabowo. In Japan and France, leadership shifts are being watched closely amid economic and fiscal challenges.
With traders pricing in multiple rate cuts through year-end, the upcoming inflation data will be pivotal in shaping the Fed’s path and the dollar’s direction.
