Asian stock markets are trading mostly higher on Friday, following the broadly positive cues from global markets overnight, amid rising optimism about interest rate cuts by major global central banks continued to inspire traders to get back into the markets. European Central Bank lowered its annual inflation forecast while announcing its widely expected decision to leave rates unchanged. US Fed Chair Jerome Powell told Congress on Thursday that rate cuts "can and will" begin this year. Asian markets ended mixed on Thursday.
Adding to the gains in the previous two sessions, the Australian stock market is significantly higher on Friday, following the broadly positive cues from global markets overnight. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 is moving above the 7,800 level to all-time record highs, with gains across most sectors led by financial and technology stocks.
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Market Analysis
June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.