Asian and Pacific Region Stock Indices: Mixed performance is observed. In the first part of the day, the South Korean KOSPI gains the most – 1.25%, followed by Japan’s Nikkei 225 – 0.35%. Meanwhile, the Australian S&P ASX 2000 index loses 0.15%, Nifty 50 is down by 0.45%, and Chinese indices fall between 0.05-0.30%.
European Futures: Indicate a lower opening for the cash session. Futures contracts for US indices are relatively flat in the first part of the day.
US Treasury Yields: Remain around 4.63%.
Goldman Sachs Forecast: Predicts a slow decline in inflation in Australia and New Zealand below 3.0% in the fourth quarter of 2024. Goldman Sachs expects the Reserve Bank of Australia’s restrictive policy to continue until the same period.
Fed’s Barr: Noted that the tension observed in the banking system in March has subsided, and the banking system is in a good liquidity situation.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan: Emphasized the urgent need for Congress to approve aid for Ukraine to support its defense against Russian aggression.
Former BOJ Official: Expects the Bank of Japan to end its negative interest rate policy in April, with a potential rate hike based on upcoming wage negotiation data.
US Treasury Secretary Yellen: Disagreed with Moody’s decision to downgrade the US rating to a negative outlook. She also warned of challenges associated with higher interest rates, including debt servicing and potential government shutdown.
Japanese Finance Minister Suzuki: Made a subtle verbal intervention on the yen. He indicated readiness to intervene in the forex market to stabilize the yen and manage excessive volatility. He acknowledged both the positive and negative effects of a weaker currency.
Cryptocurrency Market: Observes slight increases, following a pullback at the end of the previous day. Bitcoin gains 0.55% to the level of 36,600 USD, and Ethereum rises by 0.40% to 2,060 USD.
