Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
Asian Stocks Slip Ahead of Fed Decision as China Deflation Concerns Deepen 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
Mexico Moves to Increase Tariffs on Asian Imports to Protect Domestic Industries 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Canada Stocks Steady as Markets Await Fed and BoC Decisions 
BOJ’s Noguchi Calls for Cautious, Gradual Interest Rate Hikes to Sustain Inflation Goals 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
Kazakhstan Central Bank Holds Interest Rate at 18% as Inflation Pressures Persist 
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) made its first interest rate cut in nearly five years, citing concerns over a potential global trade war and slowing domestic growth. Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser emphasized that while the 25-basis-point reduction to 4.10% in February aimed to curb inflation risks, the central bank remains cautious about further cuts.
Speaking at the Australian Financial Review Business Summit, Hauser highlighted growing investor and consumer concerns over U.S. trade tariffs, particularly after recent escalations by President Donald Trump. He warned that an intensified trade conflict could impact Australia's trade-dependent economy and influence inflation.
“A global trade war would likely harm Australian economic activity, but its effect on inflation is complex,” Hauser stated. The RBA remains focused on preventing inflation from falling below its 2-3% target range, yet it does not currently anticipate a series of rate cuts despite market expectations.
Australia’s strong labor market adds another layer of complexity, making the RBA cautious about excessive monetary easing. The central bank has reiterated its data-driven approach, signaling no immediate plans for further reductions unless economic indicators justify additional support.
The minutes from the RBA’s recent policy meeting reinforced this stance, emphasizing that February’s rate cut does not guarantee a trend of continued easing. Hauser reaffirmed the RBA’s commitment to balancing inflation control with economic stability, ensuring that any future moves align with broader financial conditions.
As uncertainty surrounding global trade persists, the RBA will closely monitor economic developments before making further monetary policy decisions.
