Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
The U.S. dollar is on track for a second straight weekly gain, supported by stronger-than-expected economic data that has eased pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates soon. The dollar index held firm at 98.456 early Friday, set for a 0.64% weekly rise, following last week’s 0.91% increase. Retail sales rebounded in June, and jobless claims hit a three-month low, reinforcing economic resilience. The index reached 98.951 on Thursday, its highest since June 23.
Meanwhile, the yen stayed weak at 148.60 per dollar amid political uncertainty ahead of Japan’s upper house elections, with polls suggesting the ruling coalition could lose its majority. This uncertainty complicates ongoing tariff negotiations with the U.S., especially as Japan faces the threat of a 25% auto tariff from August 1.
Bitcoin remained stable near $119,899, slightly below its record high of $123,153.22 reached earlier this week. The rally came as Congress passed legislation to establish a regulatory framework for dollar-pegged stablecoins.
Despite recent gains, the dollar index is still down 9.3% for the year due to a steep sell-off in March and April, triggered by investor concerns over President Trump’s unpredictable trade policies and fiscal strategies. Ongoing fiscal worries, including a massive spending and tax cut bill, and Trump’s public criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, continue to cloud sentiment.
The euro climbed 0.25% to $1.1626 but remains down 0.59% for the week. The British pound rose 0.13% to $1.3436, trimming its weekly loss to 0.41%. Analysts warn that U.S. policy instability may still weigh on the dollar going forward, despite its recent resilience.
