- Asia's equities gained Monday, mirroring a surge on Wall Street, as investors welcomed further signals that inflation is slowing. Chinese market indexes rose on hopes of additional government assistance.
- Shares in Japan, Australia, and Korea surged as well, propelling a regional index to its highest closing level of the year. Chinese equity gains boosted the MSCI Emerging Markets Index up 1%, taking it to levels not seen since June of last year. US market futures were essentially unchanged after a Friday rally pushed the Nasdaq 100 up nearly 2% and the S&P 500 up 1%.
- The demand for risk assets follows significant lowering in major US inflation measures, indicating renewed optimism that the world's largest economy is on the verge of a soft landing. Despite the possibility of job losses and weaker growth, Fed's Kashkari viewed the inflation forecast as very favourable.
- The BoJ started unexpected bond-purchase operations to acquire debt, attempting to stem a selloff following its announcement on Friday that rates will be allowed to increase above a 0.5% cap. The yen fell in value against the dollar.
