Asian stocks rise as US inflation data dents Sept Fed hike bets

Asian stock markets surged on Thursday following US inflation data that fell short of expectations, reducing the likelihood of an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate increase. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan climbed 0.97%, with South Korean shares leading the gains, climbing 4.4%. Japan’s Nikkei advanced 1.86%, while the S&P 500 E-mini futures rose by only 0.02%.

US consumer prices remained unchanged in July, in line with expectations, suggesting a possible delay in a Fed rate hike. Money markets now anticipate a 40% chance of a rate increase, down from 54% a week earlier, according to CME Group’s FedWatch. The upcoming August CPI data and rising oil prices are expected to be closely monitored by the Fed and markets prior to the September FOMC meeting.

Wall Street saw mixed results, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 gaining slightly, while the Dow Jones slipped. Oil prices eased but remained high, with US crude decreasing 0.83% to $82.58 a barrel and Brent falling 0.71% to $88.35 per barrel. Tensions between Iran and the US over the Gulf war persisted, with no progress made in reviving a June interim agreement and no timeline set for its implementation.

The US dollar weakened slightly against the yen, with the dollar index remaining stable. Meanwhile, the yield on US 10-year notes rose, and Australia’s Reserve Bank assistant governor indicated that recent interest rate hikes were effective in curbing inflation. The Australian dollar remained stable against the US dollar, and gold and silver prices also saw minor increases.