Asian Markets Rise Before US Jobs Report, Fed Comments Ease Rate-Hike Fears Asian equities moved higher on Friday as investors positioned themselves ahead of the crucial US August jobs report. The biggest shift came from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, whose comments reduced fears of an imminent US interest-rate hike and helped bonds recover, the US dollar weaken and the Japanese yen strengthen. 30-Second Market Snapshot 🇯🇵 Nikkei: +0.8% 🇨🇳 China blue chips: +1.0% 🇰🇷 Kospi: +1.1% 🌏 MSCI Asia ex-Japan: +1.0% 💵 US Dollar Index: 98.96 🇯🇵 USD/JPY: around 155.7 🥇 Gold: around US$4,470/oz 🛢️ Brent crude: around US$95.52/barrel 🇺🇸 US 2-Year Treasury Yield: 4.34% 🇺🇸 US 10-Year Treasury Yield: 4.76% Big Story Today Markets are becoming slightly less convinced that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in September. Fed Governor Christopher W...
Emerging Asian equities advanced on Wednesday, led by strong gains in South Korea and Taiwan’s technology sectors , as easing oil prices and optimism around artificial intelligence (AI) helped improve investor sentiment ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision . Tech Stocks Drive Regional Gains Markets in South Korea surged up to 4% , reaching their highest level since early March, while Taiwan equities rose 1.7% , hitting a two-week high. The rally in these tech-heavy markets lifted the MSCI Emerging Asia Index by 1.6% , as investors rotated back into AI and semiconductor stocks , where earnings visibility remains strong. According to BNP Paribas Asset Management, AI-driven demand and semiconductor strength continue to underpin the region’s equity outlook despite broader uncertainties. ASEAN Markets Follow Higher The positive momentum extended across Southeast Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand markets rose around 1% The...