
Japan Core Inflation Slows to 2% in January, Clouding BOJ Rate Hike Outlook
Feb 20, 2026 01:04 am UTC| Economy
Japans annual core consumer inflation slowed to 2.0% in January, marking its weakest pace in two years and adding complexity to the Bank of Japans next interest rate decision. The latest government data showed that the...

Asian Currencies Slide as Strong US Dollar and Hawkish Fed Pressure Regional FX Markets
Feb 19, 2026 05:41 am UTC| Economy
Asian currencies weakened on Thursday as a stronger US dollar and hawkish signals from Federal Reserve officials weighed on regional foreign exchange markets. The South Korean won and Indian rupee led losses, while the...

BOJ Rate Hike to 1% by June in Focus as Inflation and Weak Yen Pressure Mount
Feb 19, 2026 04:58 am UTC| Economy Central Banks
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is increasingly expected to raise its key interest rate to 1% by the end of June, according to a recent Reuters poll of economists. The shift in forecasts reflects growing concerns about rising...

Sanae Takaichi Seeks Market Trust as Japan Weighs Spending and Tax Cuts
Feb 19, 2026 04:56 am UTC| Politics Economy
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is preparing to defend her proactive fiscal policies as parliament begins deliberations on her flagship spending and tax cut plans next week. While Takaichi has pledged to boost...

RBNZ Signals Potential Interest Rate Hike as Inflation Outlook Remains Uncertain
Feb 19, 2026 04:46 am UTC| Economy Central Banks
New Zealands central bank has indicated that the next move in interest rates is likely to be upward, although economic uncertainty continues to cloud the timing. Karen Silk, Assistant Governor of the Reserve Bank of New...

Oil Prices Ease After 4% Surge as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Supply Risks Remain in Focus
Feb 19, 2026 04:37 am UTC| Economy
Oil prices edged lower during early Asian trading on Thursday, retreating slightly after a sharp 4% rally in the previous session. Investors are closely monitoring rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and...

Asian Markets Rise on Tech Rally as Oil and Gold Hold Firm Amid Fed and Geopolitical Tensions
Feb 19, 2026 04:32 am UTC| Economy
Asian stock markets advanced on Thursday, buoyed by a renewed rally in U.S. technology shares, while geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran supported oil prices and sustained safe-haven demand for gold....