Market Minutes

Read snapshots of the latest market news

Fed rate-hike expectations rise on strong US inflation; China trade advances

Surging US inflation driven by energy price spikes has heightened Federal Reserve rate-hike expectations, weighing on equity valuations and bolstering the US dollar, whilst China's trade surplus expanded significantly despite subdued domestic demand.

US home sales rise despite high mortgage rates; Australian confidence weakens

US existing home sales rose despite high mortgage rates, while Australian business confidence fell to a four-month low.

Fed hike risks grow; India inflation accelerates; investors focus on US bank reports

Cleveland Federal Reserve President Beth Hammack has signalled potential US interest rate hikes amidst persistent inflation, while India's headline inflation accelerated to a near two-year high. Meanwhile, market participants brace for major corporate earnings reports and key economic releases later this week.

Daily discussion thread for October 9, 2026

US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement to expand Russian diesel exports in an effort to curb soaring domestic inflation ahead of the upcoming mid-term elections, even as US consumer sentiment plunges towards historic lows.

Daily discussion thread for October 8, 2026

Crude oil prices surged amid concerns over a prolonged Middle East conflict, while US mortgage rates reached a three-year high of 7.40%. Meanwhile, Germany’s trade surplus narrowed following a contraction in exports.

Daily discussion thread for October 7, 2026

Federal Reserve minutes suggest a potential US interest rate hike amid persistent inflation, while the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised its benchmark rate to 5.50%. Additionally, elevated borrowing costs and surging fuel prices continue to weigh on US used car demand.

Daily discussion thread for October 6, 2026

The S&P 500 reached a record high despite elevated US inflation, national debt concerns, and a persistent trade deficit. Meanwhile, Canadian business activity decelerated sharply, and Australian consumer confidence fell amidst mounting economic pressures.

Daily discussion thread for October 5, 2026

The Brazilian Bovespa index reached a record high following initial presidential election results showing a lead for the market-favourable candidate, Flávio Bolsonaro. Meanwhile, the US ISM Services PMI decelerated slightly but remained firmly in expansionary territory, propelling major equity indices higher.

Daily discussion thread for October 2, 2026

Weak US non-farm payrolls boosted equity markets by cooling rate hike expectations, whilst Euro Area inflation accelerated unexpectedly to 3.8% and Japan’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 2.5%.

Daily discussion thread for October 1, 2026

Brent crude prices surged above $100 as geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran threatened to escalate. Meanwhile, Australia’s trade balance narrowed, and the US manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dipped slightly to 54.5, missing market expectations.