Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian markets opened cautiously on Monday as investors brace for a critical week of central bank decisions. The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points, lowering the funds rate to 4.0–4.25%. Futures markets show nearly 100% certainty of the move, with investors eyeing Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments and the “dot plot” projections for clues on further cuts. Markets have already priced in 125 basis points of easing this year, meaning any less dovish outlook could disappoint.
Economists, including Citi’s Andrew Hollenhorst, expect Powell to highlight risks to employment after softer U.S. jobs data. Citi projects reductions at the next five meetings, with median forecasts signaling at least 75 basis points of cuts in 2025. President Donald Trump renewed criticism of Powell over the weekend, accusing him of harming the housing market.
The Bank of Canada is also expected to trim rates by 25 basis points this week, while the Bank of Japan and Bank of England are likely to stay on hold. China may ease one of its lending rates amid ongoing economic sluggishness.
Currency markets were muted, with the euro steady at $1.1727 after Fitch downgraded France. The yen traded at 147.77 per dollar, staying within its recent range. European Central Bank officials, including Christine Lagarde, are scheduled to speak this week, reinforcing a stable EU policy outlook.
In equities, South Korea hit fresh records on AI optimism, while MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index slipped 0.1%. U.S. Treasury yields held at 4.07% after hitting a five-month low last week on weaker labor data. Key U.S. releases include retail sales, industrial output, housing starts, and jobless claims.
Oil prices hovered near $67 for Brent and $62.77 for U.S. crude, while gold traded slightly lower at $3,639, close to record highs.
