Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
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 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
U.S. stock futures were steady Monday evening after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed at record highs, driven by optimism over a potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut and progress in U.S.-China trade talks.
As of 20:14 ET (00:14 GMT), S&P 500 Futures held near 6,676.50, Nasdaq 100 Futures traded flat at 24,543.0, and Dow Jones Futures dipped 0.1% to 46,240.0. Earlier in the session, the S&P 500 climbed 0.5% to a record 6,619.62, while the Nasdaq Composite rose nearly 1% to 22,352.25. The Dow added 0.1%.
Markets widely expect the Federal Open Market Committee to cut rates by 25 basis points at its September 16–17 meeting. Investors are closely watching whether the Fed signals this as the start of a broader easing cycle.
Sentiment also improved after President Donald Trump said a “big Trade Meeting in Europe” went “VERY WELL,” noting a deal had been reached to secure TikTok’s U.S. ownership. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed a framework was in place, with Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to finalize details during a Friday call.
In corporate news, Tesla shares gained 3.6% after Elon Musk disclosed nearly $1 billion in stock purchases. Alphabet surged 4%, surpassing a $3 trillion market valuation for the first time, boosting the tech sector. Meanwhile, Nvidia closed flat as China’s regulator said it would continue an anti-monopoly probe after preliminary findings of violations.
The combination of expected Fed easing, progress in trade negotiations, and major corporate moves fueled investor confidence, keeping Wall Street on track for further momentum despite global uncertainties.
