Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
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 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
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 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
U.S. stocks ended flat on Friday as markets shook off initial jitters from a Financial Times report suggesting former President Donald Trump is pushing for steep tariffs—between 15% and 20%—on European Union goods. While the S&P 500 dipped 0.01% to 6,296.79, the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.05% to 20,895.66. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.32% to 44,342.19.
Despite the tariff scare, investor confidence remains strong, with both the S&P and Nasdaq hovering near record highs. Analysts note a shift in sentiment, with markets showing less sensitivity to trade threats and more focus on hard economic data. BNP Paribas strategist Greg Boutle remarked that investors are now awaiting solid proof of policy impacts.
Economic reports painted a mixed picture: retail sales were strong, consumer inflation rose, and producer prices were flat in June. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index also climbed, though inflation concerns persist.
Earnings season began with varied results. Of 59 S&P 500 companies reporting so far, 81.4% exceeded expectations. Yet, outperforming estimates hasn’t guaranteed stock gains—American Express and Netflix both fell despite beating forecasts. On the upside, Charles Schwab rose 2.9% on strong profits, and Regions Financial jumped 6.1% after raising its 2025 outlook.
Cryptocurrency stocks advanced after the U.S. House passed a bill to establish a crypto regulatory framework. Robinhood climbed 4.1%, and Coinbase rose 2.2%.
Sector-wise, utilities led gains with a 1.7% rise, hitting a record close. Energy lagged, down 1%, dragged by SLB and Exxon Mobil, which fell after disappointing earnings and a legal loss involving Hess.
For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.59%, the Nasdaq rose 1.5%, and the Dow slipped 0.07%.
