Following the inflation print, Wall Street rose but ended mixed, while Treasury yields and the dollar fell. Traders increased the odds of a December rate cut to around 70% from about 60% prior to the release. Meanwhile, Republicans gained control of the White House and both houses of Congress, allowing Donald Trump to implement his economic plans. Australian unemployment, South Korean money supply, and Thai consumer confidence will be the key data sets to focus on in the Asia region on Thursday. Stocks in India will also be in focus after the NSE Nifty 50 entered the 'correction zone' due to record exit by foreign investors.
Key takeaways:
- Asian stocks advanced in early trade due to firm inflation in the US, which suggests potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
- Equity benchmarks in Japan and Australia led the gains, with the Nikkei and S&P ASX 200 both seeing increases.
- US inflation remained steady in October, putting pressure on Federal Reserve officials to maintain price targets.
- Bitcoin briefly topped $93,000, while the dollar was close to a two-year high.