- Asian markets fell on Thursday as aggressive statements from Federal Reserve members forced investors to reconsider estimates for US peak rates.
- Japan and Australia's stocks declined, while Hong Kong and mainland China's stocks fluctuated. US futures rose after the S&P 500 sank 1.1% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 fell 1.8%.
- The hit to risk sentiment was based on comments from four Fed members who appeared at separate events on Wednesday and reiterated a common message: the struggle against inflation is far from over. Fed-funds futures markets are pricing in higher rates, with some options traders banking on the US policy benchmark reaching 6%.
