Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
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 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
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 Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
European stock markets edged higher on Monday as investors assessed rising geopolitical tensions and anticipated key central bank decisions. Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 each gained 0.4%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 rose 0.2% by 07:05 GMT.
The Israel-Iran conflict remained in focus after Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities Friday. Iran responded with retaliatory missile attacks, escalating regional tensions and pushing oil prices sharply higher. However, markets remain relatively stable amid assumptions that Iran will avoid closing the critical Strait of Hormuz, a move that could trigger broader U.S. involvement.
Oil prices rose further on Monday following last week’s 7% jump. Brent crude climbed 1% to $74.97 per barrel, while WTI crude increased 1.1% to $72.05.
Investors are now watching the U.S. Federal Reserve, which meets this week amid rising energy prices, soft labor market data, and persistent inflation. The Fed is expected to hold rates steady at 4.25%-4.50% on Wednesday, but traders will scrutinize guidance for any hints of a potential rate cut in the coming months.
This week also brings decisions from the Bank of Japan, Bank of England, Norges Bank, Riksbank, and Swiss National Bank, with Sweden expected to cut rates and Switzerland possibly returning to negative territory due to a strong franc.
Meanwhile, the G7 summit kicks off in Canada, where leaders will discuss global security, critical mineral supply chains, and jobs. U.S. tariffs and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are expected to dominate the agenda.
In corporate news, Kering may appoint Luca de Meo as CEO, according to Le Figaro, while Entain raised BetMGM’s annual revenue forecast on strong U.S. iGaming and sports betting growth.
