Asian stock markets are trading mostly higher on Monday, following the mixed cues from Wall Street on Friday, as traders remain cautious ahead of the anticipated interest rate cut after recent US data signaled softer labor conditions and muted inflation. The escalating geopolitical concerns in the Middle East are also weighing on market sentiment. Asian markets closed mostly higher on Friday.
The Fed is widely expected to lower interest rates by at least a quarter point at its monetary policy meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. Traders will pay close attention to the Fed's accompanying statement as well as Fed Chair Jerome Powell's post-meeting comments for clues about the likelihood of more rate cuts later in the year.
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April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.