European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
South Korea’s manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery in September, marking its first expansion in eight months as global demand improved, according to the latest S&P Global survey. The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 50.7 from 48.3 in August, surpassing the 50-point threshold that separates growth from contraction. This was the highest reading since August 2024, driven by stronger output and new orders.
The rebound was fueled by new product launches and mass production, with overseas demand increasing for the first time in six months, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets. However, the domestic economy remained sluggish, limiting overall momentum. Economist Usamah Bhatti from S&P Global Market Intelligence noted that conditions are likely to remain favorable in the near term as manufacturers reported higher outstanding work.
South Korea’s trade-reliant economy already recorded strong growth in the second quarter, supported by robust exports in the technology sector and a rebound in consumer spending. Still, ongoing uncertainty surrounds trade talks with the U.S., where a preliminary deal announced in July has yet to be formalized due to concerns about a $350 billion investment package and its foreign exchange implications. Tariffs imposed by the U.S. remain a potential risk for Korean exporters.
The survey also showed that input purchase inventories declined at the fastest rate since April 2024 due to rising demand, while backlogs of work grew for the first time in half a year. In response, manufacturers boosted new purchases to a 13-month high and expanded employment at the fastest pace in two years. Business confidence stayed positive, though slightly weaker than the previous month, with expectations pinned on new product rollouts and gradual domestic recovery.
At the same time, manufacturers remain cautious about the potential long-term impact of U.S. tariffs on key industries, balancing optimism with lingering trade concerns.
