Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
The Japanese yen weakened on Monday as expectations grew that Sanae Takaichi, a staunch supporter of aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus, is set to become Japan’s next prime minister. Reports indicated that Takaichi secured key political backing, boosting investor confidence in risk assets and weakening demand for the safe-haven yen.
Market sentiment improved after trade tensions between the U.S. and China eased and concerns over U.S. regional banks subsided. The U.S. dollar gained 0.2% to 150.82 yen at 0010 GMT, rebounding from Friday’s 1.1% drop sparked by fears of bad loans and trade disputes over Chinese rare earth exports.
Investors reignited the so-called “Takaichi trade” — bullish on Japanese equities and bearish on the yen — following reports from Kyodo that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) will formalize an alliance ahead of Tuesday’s parliamentary vote. Takaichi’s leadership prospects brightened after forming ties with the right-leaning JIP, following a split with Komeito, the LDP’s coalition partner for 26 years.
The shift in sentiment also buoyed risk-sensitive currencies. The Australian dollar advanced 0.3% to $0.6500, while the euro edged up 0.1% to $1.1661. Traders are watching China’s upcoming GDP data closely, as it remains Australia’s largest trading partner.
Wall Street’s main indexes closed higher after easing credit concerns, with analysts noting strong balance sheets among major banks. “There’s a lot more bark than bite on credit fears,” said Jed Ellerbroek of Argent Capital.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged that a proposed 100% tariff on Chinese goods would be “not sustainable” and confirmed plans to meet with President Xi Jinping in two weeks, calming fears of further escalation.
