From Yahoo Finance: 2024-04-18 19:10:55

Asian stocks are expected to drop after US shares and Treasuries continued to decline due to solid economic data and hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials indicating interest rates may stay higher for longer. US equity futures were mostly flat, with technology stocks leading the decline in the S&P 500. Treasuries fell, with two-year yields near 5%. The dollar rose, and the yen fluctuated. Global markets have been hit hard this week as expectations for Fed easing this year have lessened. Concerns over inflation continue to grow, affecting market volatility. Traders are watching for Japanese inflation data and an expected sovereign downgrade for Israel.

Key events to watch this week include Japan’s CPI data, speeches from central bank officials, and economic indicators. Stocks are relatively stable, with S&P 500 futures unchanged, and Asian stock futures declining. Currencies are mostly unchanged, while Bitcoin and Ether are slightly lower. Bond markets and commodities are holding steady. Israeli credit was downgraded due to heightened geopolitical risks. Bearish market sentiment prevails as traders anticipate a higher likelihood of rate hikes and subdued easing from the Fed throughout 2024.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Asian Stocks Set to Fall on Hawkish Fed Comments: Markets Wrap