Corporate News - JPMorgan has significantly raised its price target for Ocentrus Energy, identified as Centrus Energy Corp. (LEU), from $164 to $275, indicating a positive outlook for the energy company [3][9] Cryptocurrency Market - The cryptocurrency market is facing challenges, with Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin (BTC), and Ripple (XRP) experiencing price declines amid ongoing market weakness [4][9] - Ethereum is set for a Fusaka upgrade on December 3, which may influence future market dynamics [4] Foreign Exchange Market - The Australian Dollar (AUD) has declined against the US Dollar (USD), with the AUD/USD exchange rate falling to 0.6552 on October 31, 2025, down 0.04% from the previous session and 0.93% over the past month, driven by decreasing odds of a Federal Reserve rate cut [5][9] - The Japanese Yen (JPY) has maintained gains due to stronger Tokyo Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, although it has struggled to attract sustained buying interest [6][9]

Currency Market Overview - The Japanese yen is experiencing a significant decline, currently at 153.12 per U.S. dollar, marking a nearly 4% drop for the week, the largest since early October last year [1][10] - Concerns are rising that the Bank of Japan may not raise interest rates again this year, particularly following comments from potential future Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi [2][10] - Traders are pricing in a 45% chance of a rate hike from the Bank of Japan in December, with a full 25 basis point hike expected in March [5][10] Euro and Political Turmoil in France - The euro is trading at $1.15635, close to two-month lows, and is on track for a 1.5% weekly drop, the sharpest decline in 11 months due to political instability in France [6][10] - French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking his sixth prime minister in under two years, complicating efforts to pass a budget amid a significant deficit [6][7][10] - The political paralysis in France has led to increased volatility in FX markets as traders adjust their positions based on central bank expectations and political risks [7][10] U.S. Dollar Performance - The U.S. dollar index is at 99.4, near a two-month high, and is on course for a 1.7% gain, the largest increase in a year [7][10] - Market sentiment is mixed regarding the dollar's ability to surpass the 100 level in the index, with skepticism about sustained upward movement [8][10] - Traders are anticipating a 95% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve in October, with the likelihood of an additional cut in December decreasing to 80% [8][10] Other Currencies - The Australian dollar is slightly up at $0.6563, while the British pound is at $1.33044, close to its two-month low [8][10] - The New Zealand dollar is at $0.57475, near a six-month low after a 50 basis point rate cut by its central bank, indicating concerns about the economy [9][10]

Japan’s household spending rose for a fourth month, showing resilience amid persistent inflation as the central bank continues to mull the timing of its next interest rate hike https://t.co/pVzeVXnKgG ...

By Leika Kihara OSAKA (Reuters) -Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said inflation was on track to durably hit the bank's target but warned of global uncertainties that could discourage firms from raising wages, leaving himself a free hand on whether to raise interest rates in October. Ueda reiterated the central bank's resolve to continue raising still-low interest rates if the economy and prices move in line with its forecasts. But he said there were various uncertainties surrounding Japan's economic ...

Group 1 - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate at least four more times to 1.5% before Governor Kazuo Ueda's term ends in early 2028 [1] - The next rate hike is anticipated to occur either in October or December, influenced by the upcoming quarterly "tankan" business survey [3] - A majority of economists expect another 25-basis-point hike by the year-end, although some believe it may not happen until January [4] Group 2 - Japan's economy is performing well, with large companies benefiting from price hikes and a weak yen boosting exports [2] - The BOJ raised its short-term policy rate to 0.5% in January but has maintained steady rates to assess the impact of U.S. tariffs [2] - The U.S. administration's weak-dollar policy may increase pressure on the BOJ to raise rates steadily [5] Group 3 - The recent dissent from two of the BOJ's board members regarding the decision to keep rates steady may signal an approaching rate hike [4] - The Federal Reserve's rate cuts and the BOJ's potential rate hikes are likely to result in a stronger yen against the dollar [6]

The herd wakes up and realizes that 25bps is already priced into the markets. Congratulations on catching up with reality! Late as always! At this point, preparations should already be DONE! Prepared myself 30 days ago for this day! Holding zero spot, and fully in USDT/ Short https://t.co/P6b9KJP9cZ ...

Group 1 - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to raise its key interest rate by at least 25 basis points in the October-December quarter, according to a majority of economists in a Reuters poll [1] - A significant portion of economists, 55% of those surveyed, anticipate the central bank will increase borrowing costs to at least 0.75% from 0.50% next quarter, although this is a decrease from 63% in the previous month [2] - The BOJ's potential rate hike is influenced by risks such as yen depreciation and asset bubbles, with some economists suggesting that clarity on U.S. tariffs could make an October rate hike feasible [3] Group 2 - The median prediction for the year-end interest rate remains at 0.75%, with financial markets pricing in over a 50% chance of a rate hike by year-end [4] - The likelihood of further rate hikes may decrease depending on the outcome of the prime ministerial succession, particularly if a fiscal dove like Sanae Takaichi is elected [5] - Over three-quarters of economists do not expect wage increases in next year's labor negotiations to exceed this year's 5.25%, indicating potential pressure on corporate profits and economic outlook due to global economic uncertainties [6]

Group 1 - Investing for retirement income remains feasible without relying on low dividends or coupons despite less favorable conditions compared to the period when the Fed began aggressive interest rate hikes [1] - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, assisting top-tier corporates in shaping financial strategies and executing large-scale financings [1] - Significant efforts have been made to institutionalize the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [1] Group 2 - Policy-level contributions include the development of national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks aimed at channeling private capital into affordable housing [1] - Roberts Berzins holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, and has interned at the Chicago Board of Trade while residing in Latvia [1] - Active involvement in "thought-leadership" activities supports the development of pan-Baltic capital markets [1]

Market Focus - Investors are closely watching Japan's auction of two-year government bonds [1] - The market perceives a growing likelihood of an imminent interest rate increase by the Bank of Japan [1]

Interest Rate Expectations - Bank of Japan watchers increased expectations for the timing of the next interest rate hike [1] Trade Clarity Impact - Trade clarity increased after US President Donald Trump announced deals, including one with Japan [1]