The Federal Reserve’s September 16–17, 2025 FOMC minutes indicated that real GDP growth slowed and the labor market softened in H1, while core PCE inflation remained elevated. Most participants considered modest policy easing appropriate and expected further rate cuts this year. Many noted persistent upside inflation risks alongside growing downside risks to employment. https://t.co/Ga8FsHGeWD ...

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian employment unexpectedly fell in August as full-time positions dropped back after a sharp rise in the previous month, while the jobless rate held steady in a sign the labour market was slowly softening. The Australian dollar slipped 0.2% to $0.6637, while three-year bond futures rallied 3 ticks to 96.6. The mixed report failed to move the dial on the policy outlook as investors upheld bets that the Reserve Bank of Australia would likely skip a move in interest rates this mont ...

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points, with further cuts anticipated, which supports risky assets like cryptocurrencies [2][1] - Bitcoin has reached a nearly four-week high as markets speculate on the Fed's potential policy easing [1][2] - The focus is on Fed Chair Jerome Powell's assessment of the labor market slowdown versus inflation risks and economic projections uncertainty [2]

Market Trends - Thailand's stocks and currency may be further buoyed by inflows [1] Monetary Policy - The Bank of Thailand eased policy to bolster growth [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook for the China equity market, with a base case index target for MXCN at HK$80 for 2025, implying a 30% upside from current levels [17][26]. Core Insights - The report indicates a broad-based recovery in the MXCN/CSI300 indices, driven by national team buying and expectations of new policy easing, with a modest increase of 1.6% week-on-week [8]. - The report highlights a potential easing of US-China trade tensions, with improved macro data from China leading to a more favorable QMI reading [9]. - The investment strategy suggests a focus on high-yield sectors such as Energy, IT, and Utilities, while advising caution in Consumer Discretionary and Materials [10][36]. Market & Sector Performance - The report provides detailed sector performance metrics, showing Consumer Discretionary up 1.5% week-on-week but down 20.2% month-to-date, while Real Estate outperformed with a 3.0% increase [6]. - The MSCI China index showed a 1.5% increase over the week but a decline of 14.6% month-to-date [6]. Catalyst Calendar - The report outlines key upcoming macroeconomic events in China, including LPR announcements and housing transaction data, which could influence market movements [13]. Consensus Macro Forecasts - The report presents GDP growth forecasts for China, projecting 5.0% for Q1 2025, slightly revised from previous estimates [15]. QMI & Index Targets - The report sets specific index targets for MSCI-China and CSI-300, with the latter projected at 3,772 RMB for 2025, indicating a 10% upside potential [18]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends a barbell strategy focusing on high-yielders and selected thematic plays in Internet and AI sectors, while advising a rotation into quality laggards [36][38]. - Specific sector recommendations include Overweight (OW) for Energy, IT, and Utilities, while downgrading Consumer Discretionary and Materials to Underweight (UW) [38].