Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
South Korea Posts Stronger-Than-Expected 1.3% Economic Growth in Q3 
China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert 
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative 
Pentagon Probe Finds Hegseth’s Use of Signal Risked Exposing Sensitive Yemen Strike Details 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
The longest U.S. government shutdown in history may soon end after the Senate advanced a compromise bill late Sunday to restore federal funding. The measure, which passed an initial hurdle, would reopen agencies that lost funding on October 1 and bring relief to millions of Americans affected by the 40-day impasse.
The proposed deal would fund the government through January 30, temporarily halting disruptions to essential services such as food subsidies, air travel, and federal employee pay. Nearly 800,000 government workers have gone unpaid, while travel delays and thousands of canceled flights have added to public frustration.
If approved, the bill would also extend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through September 30 next year, ensuring continued food aid for low-income families. However, the deal does not include protections against future spending cuts by President Donald Trump, who has previously reduced federal payrolls and canceled billions in spending without congressional approval.
President Trump’s Republican Party controls both chambers of Congress, but Democrats have used Senate rules requiring a 60-vote threshold to push for an extension of health insurance subsidies benefiting 24 million Americans. The compromise sets up a December vote on that issue, though many Democrats remain skeptical about its success.
The bipartisan agreement was led by Democratic Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Independent Senator Angus King of Maine. Senator Dick Durbin acknowledged the deal’s limitations but said ending the shutdown was vital for the country.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 50% of Americans blamed Republicans for the shutdown, while 43% blamed Democrats. Following news of the deal, U.S. stocks rose on Monday amid optimism for reopening the government.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated the House could vote on the bill as early as Wednesday, potentially sending it to President Trump for approval. If delays persist, however, the shutdown could extend into next weekend, threatening to slow economic growth heading into the holiday season.
