Nikada
Japan (NKY:IND) -1.23%. The Japanese economy was making steady progress towards achieving the central bank’s 2% inflation target, Bank of Japan board member Junko Nakagawa said in a speech.
Average cash earnings in Japan increased by 2% year-on-year in January 2024, accelerating from a 1% gain in December and posting the highest reading in seven months.
China (SHCOMP) -0.41%. China’s trade surplus larger than expected in February amid surge in exports
People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng said on Wednesday: “China’s monetary policy toolbox remains sufficient, and there is still ample room for monetary policy.”
Hong Kong (HSI) -1.38%.
India (SENSEX) +0.10%.
Australia (AS51) +0.39%. Australia’s trade surplus increased in January as exports surge faster than imports
In the U.S. on Wednesday, all three major indexes ended higher after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said he still expects a pivot to interest rate cuts this year. Powell stated that the policy rate is at its “peak for this tightening cycle,” although he indicated that the central bank is not ready to begin cutting rates immediately.
U.S. stock futures held steady on Thursday after the major averages posted gains in the previous session, snapping a two-day decline: Dow -0.23%; S&P 500 -0.31%; Nasdaq -0.49%.
Investors now look ahead to Powell’s appearance before the US Senate on Thursday, as well as the latest data on jobless claims, trade balance and consumer credit. Markets also braced for the European Central Bank’s policy decision on Thursday.
Currencies: (JPY:USD), (CNY:USD), (AUD:USD), (INR:USD), (HKD:USD), (NZD:USD).