Markets Rattled by Energy Crisis Fears, Fed Hike Risk and Forced Liquidations.Asian markets plunged into deep risk-off territory today as investors grappled with the escalating Middle East conflict and its growing economic consequences. Equity markets across the region extended losses for a third consecutive session, reflecting mounting fears that the crisis is evolving from a regional military confrontation into a broader global economic shock.

China's top legislature says willing to work with the US but will hold its 'red lines'.The comments here are rather generic but it sets the tone before we get to some mid-level talks between the US and China next week. All that before the big summit in Beijing featuring US president Trump and China president Xi Jinping.

Japan's Katayama: Watching market developments closely, prepared to act if needed.Japan's Katayama: Watching market developments closely, prepared to act if needed

Japan finance minister steps in with some added verbal intervention on the yen.The comments above are not anything new. We've heard them all before and many a time in the past two months.

AUD/JPY drops to 110.00 as notable JPY strength offsets upbeat Australian Q4 GDP print.AUD/JPY drops to 110.00 as notable JPY strength offsets upbeat Australian Q4 GDP print

Rupee hits record low of 92.17 vs USD as Mideast war rattles markets, stokes economic risks.The Indian rupee has hit a new low against the US dollar. This weakening is driven by rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict.

Australian Economy Grew Faster Than Expected in Q4 2025, AUD Still Weak.Australia's economy grew 0.8% in the December quarter of 2025 in seasonally adjusted chain volume terms, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Here's how AUD reacted.

Indian rupee hits record low as Mideast war rattles markets, stokes economic risks.The Indian rupee fell to a record low against the ​dollar on Wednesday as a sharp ‌rise in oil prices and a rush out of risk assets piled pressure on the ​emerging market currency that analysts ​say could continue until conflict in ⁠the Middle East ebbs.

US Dollar Index rises above 99.00 as Middle East tensions drive inflation fears.US Dollar Index rises above 99.00 as Middle East tensions drive inflation fears

Indian rupee may slide past 92 to record low as Mideast war fires up oil prices.The Indian rupee is set to weaken past 92 per dollar at a lifetime low on Wednesday as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran ​sent oil prices soaring, lifting demand for the safe-haven dollar, and ‌fuelling risk aversion.

China PMIs show two-speed economy as official data contracts.China's February PMI data revealed a widening divide between official indicators and private surveys, highlighting the uneven nature of the country's economic transition.

New Zealand Dollar declines below 0.5900 amid mixed Chinese PMI data, Middle East tensions in focus.New Zealand Dollar declines below 0.5900 amid mixed Chinese PMI data, Middle East tensions in focus

Japan PMI composite finalized at 53.9, firms pass rising costs to customers.Japan's service sector maintained steady momentum in February, with the final PMI Services reading edging up to 53.8 from January's 53.7. The figure marks the strongest level since May 2024 and signals continued expansion in business activity, supported by improving demand conditions.

China's RatingDog Manufacturing PMI climbs to 62.1 in February, Services PMI rises to 56.7.China's RatingDog Manufacturing PMI climbs to 62.1 in February, Services PMI rises to 56.7

China RatingDog Manufacturing PMI above forecasts (50.1) in February: Actual (62.1).China RatingDog Manufacturing PMI above forecasts (50.1) in February: Actual (62.1)

Australia Q4 GDP beats with 0.8% qoq growth, reinforcing RBA demand concerns.Australia's economy expanded faster than expected in the fourth quarter, reinforcing concerns that domestic demand may still be running hotter than the RBA would like. GDP grew 0.8% qoq, beating forecasts of 0.7% and accelerating from the previous quarter's 0.5% pace.

Fed's Kashkari reconsiders rate-cut outlook after Middle East escalation.Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari said the escalating conflict in the Middle East has significantly clouded the policy outlook, undermining earlier confidence that easing inflation would pave the way for rate cuts. Kashkari noted that he had entered 2026 expecting that cooling price pressures might justify a single reduction in interest rates.

Dollar firms, euro under pressure as energy prices surge.The dollar rallied to a three-month high in early trading in Asia on Wednesday, with investors retreating from the euro as the growing ​conflict in the Middle East sparked fears of a sustained rise in ‌energy prices.

Middle East Conflict: An Initial View for Australia and New Zealand.Using Oxford Economics' global model, we assess the potential implications for growth and inflation of three different scenarios for the conflict.

Australia economy picks up speed in Q4, stretches supply.Australia's economy grew at the fastest annual ​pace in almost three years ‌in the December quarter, data showed on Wednesday, a pick ​up that reignited inflation ​and required a hike in ⁠interest rates to tamp ​things down.

Breaking: Australian Gross Domestic Product rises 0.8% QoQ in Q4 vs. 0.6% expected.Breaking: Australian Gross Domestic Product rises 0.8% QoQ in Q4 vs. 0.6% expected

Australia Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) above expectations (0.6%) in 4Q: Actual (0.8%).Australia Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) above expectations (0.6%) in 4Q: Actual (0.8%)

Japan Jibun Bank Services PMI meets expectations (53.8) in February.Japan Jibun Bank Services PMI meets expectations (53.8) in February

AUD/JPY rebounds from daily lows, eyes 111.70 for bullish breakout.AUD/JPY rebounds from daily lows, eyes 111.70 for bullish breakout

South Korea Service Sector Output declined to 0% in January from previous 1.1%.South Korea Service Sector Output declined to 0% in January from previous 1.1%

South Korea Industrial Output (YoY) came in at 7.1%, above forecasts (2.2%) in January.South Korea Industrial Output (YoY) came in at 7.1%, above forecasts (2.2%) in January

South Korea Industrial Output Growth came in at -1.9%, below expectations (0.5%) in January.South Korea Industrial Output Growth came in at -1.9%, below expectations (0.5%) in January

USD/JPY extends rally as Middle East conflict adds to Yen weakness.USD/JPY extends rally as Middle East conflict adds to Yen weakness

United States Total Vehicle Sales came in at 15.8M, above forecasts (15.2M) in February.United States Total Vehicle Sales came in at 15.8M, above forecasts (15.2M) in February

United States API Weekly Crude Oil Stock above forecasts (2.2M) in February 27: Actual (5.6M).United States API Weekly Crude Oil Stock above forecasts (2.2M) in February 27: Actual (5.6M)