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investingLive Asia-Pacific FX information wrap: Auction reveals softer demand for JGBs

Wrap: Fed caution, China telecom curbs, weak Aussie data, soft JGB auction, Ukraine update

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee struck a cautious tone late in the U.S. session, saying he is “starting to get more concerned” about inflation drifting the wrong way. He warned that relying on inflation being transitory “makes me nervous,” while noting the underlying economy remains strong enough to support lower rates, though policymakers should tread carefully.

The Financial Times reported that China is tightening restrictions on European telecom suppliers Nokia and Ericsson, requiring opaque “black box” security reviews and greater disclosure of local content — a sign of rising barriers for Western tech firms in China’s critical infrastructure sector. Mainland Chinese markets remained shut for Golden Week, with trading to resume next Thursday, while Hong Kong reopened and equities rallied, catching up with the region’s strong week.

In Australia, data disappointed. Trade figures missed badly as exports of non-monetary gold slumped, while household spending in August came in weaker than expected. The softer consumption backdrop adds to the case for the Reserve Bank of Australia to resume policy easing as early as next month.

Japan’s 10-year government bond auction showed weaker demand, with the bid-to-cover ratio falling to 3.34 from 3.92 in September. The result highlights investor caution with yields near multi-year highs, speculation of an October BOJ rate hike building, and political uncertainty ahead of Saturday’s leadership election.

On the geopolitical front, U.S. officials confirmed Washington will begin providing Ukraine with intelligence to support long-range strikes against Russia’s energy infrastructure. The move marks a significant escalation, potentially enabling Kyiv to target refineries, pipelines and power plants deep inside Russian territory.

Asia-Pac
stocks:

  • Japan
    (Nikkei 225) +0.61%
  • Hong
    Kong (Hang Seng) +1.08%
  • Shanghai
    Composite Closed for Golden Week holidays
  • Australia
    (S&P/ASX 200) +1.10%

Major FX rates traded narrowly range bound.

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