Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
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 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% Wednesday after the Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 4.25%-4.5%, marking the first double dissent at the central bank since 1993. Fed governors Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller voted in favor of a 25 basis-point rate cut, underscoring growing divisions over the future of monetary policy.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 171 points, or 0.4%, while the Nasdaq Composite added 0.2%. The Fed’s decision comes amid ongoing pressure from President Trump, who has called for swift rate cuts to stimulate economic growth.
Economic data released earlier in the day showed U.S. GDP expanding 3% in the second quarter, exceeding forecasts of 2.5% and rebounding from a 0.5% contraction in Q1. Private payrolls also jumped by 104,000 in July, following a revised 23,000 drop in June. These figures precede the closely watched nonfarm payrolls report due Friday.
Investor attention is also on corporate earnings, with Meta Platforms and Microsoft reporting after the bell. Nearly 82% of S&P 500 companies have already beaten expectations this season, including Starbucks, Humana, Etsy, and VF Corporation, which all posted stronger-than-expected revenue.
Meanwhile, U.S.-China trade talks in Sweden ended without major breakthroughs, though both sides described the discussions as constructive. Trade tensions remain heightened as the U.S. prepares to impose a 25% tariff on Indian imports beginning August 1, citing its purchases of Russian military equipment and energy.
Market participants are closely watching upcoming economic reports and corporate earnings to gauge the Fed’s next policy steps and assess the impact of escalating trade measures on global growth.
