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 Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
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 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Oil prices remained steady in early Asian trading on Wednesday after a sharp rise in the previous session, driven by escalating concerns over Russian supply disruptions and expectations of a U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut. Brent crude futures dipped 1 cent to $68.46 a barrel at 0114 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 1 cent to $64.51.
The slight pullback follows Tuesday’s gains of more than 1%, sparked by drone attacks on Russian ports and refineries. According to industry sources, Russia’s oil pipeline monopoly Transneft has warned producers about possible output cuts as Ukraine’s strikes threaten critical infrastructure. The European Commission also signaled plans to accelerate the phase-out of Russian fossil fuel imports, further tightening supply outlooks.
On the monetary policy front, traders await the Federal Reserve’s September 16–17 meeting, where a 25-basis point interest rate cut is widely expected. Analysts suggest market focus will be on whether dissenters push for a deeper 50-basis point cut and the tone of Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks. Additional rate cuts later this year remain a possibility, which could stimulate economic growth and boost energy demand.
Meanwhile, U.S. inventory data added support to prices. The American Petroleum Institute reported crude stocks fell by 3.42 million barrels last week, gasoline inventories declined by 691,000 barrels, while distillate stocks rose by 1.91 million barrels. A Reuters poll projects a smaller 900,000-barrel drop in crude stocks, alongside modest increases in gasoline and distillate inventories. The official U.S. Energy Information Administration data, due Wednesday, will be closely monitored for confirmation.
With geopolitical risks mounting and the Fed’s policy shift imminent, crude oil markets remain highly sensitive to both supply disruptions and economic signals, keeping volatility elevated.
