Asian shares take a breather: Japanese Yen weakens sharply; Brent and WTI crude prices fall after overnight spike

Market Overview - Oil prices experienced a decline after reaching seven-week highs, influenced by a surprise drop in US crude inventories and ongoing supply concerns from Iraq, Venezuela, and Russia [2][7] - Asian markets showed mixed performance, with MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan falling 0.2% after significant gains in the previous month and quarter [3][8] - Wall Street closed lower for the second consecutive session as investors took profits from record-high stocks, with futures indicating a 92% chance of a Federal Reserve rate cut in October [4][8] Economic Indicators - Upcoming US economic data, including the Personal Consumption Expenditures report and the final estimate for Q2 GDP, is anticipated to influence market sentiment amid concerns over a potential government shutdown [4][8] - Treasury yields remained stable, with the benchmark US 10-year Treasury yield flat at 4.1408% after a slight increase [4][8] Currency and Commodities - The US dollar slipped 0.1% against the yen, while the yen hit an over one-year low against the euro and an all-time low against the Swiss franc [5][8] - Spot gold prices remained flat at $3,739 per ounce, while US crude and Brent oil prices fell slightly to $64.73 and $69.11 per barrel, respectively [6][8] - Brent oil futures are expected to find support in the $65-$70 per barrel range despite forecasts of oversupply in late 2025 and early 2026 [6][8]