Globally, Oil prices eased in early trade on Wednesday, weighed down by fears U.S. interest rates could stay higher for longer and economic growth could slow further in top crude importer China and hurt fuel demand. Brent crude dipped 17 cents, or 0.2%, to $83.86 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $79.56 a barrel, down 8 cents, or 0.1%. Both benchmarks lost about 0.5% on Tuesday.Japan's factory activity shrinks at a slower pace in Aug.Most Asian stocks kept to a tight range on Wednesday amid persistent concerns over a Chinese economic slowdown, while regional technology stocks saw some consolidation ahead of hotly awaited earnings from Nvidia. Regional stocks took a weak lead-in from Wall Street, as technology stocks were pressured by rising yields and U.S. bank shares slid after a series of ratings downgrades.The U.S. dollar perched near a two-month peak on Wednesday as investors looked to the Federal Reserve chair's speech this week for cues on the path of monetary policy.The dollar index , which measures the U.S. currency against six rivals, was at 103.55, not far from the two-month high of 103.71 it touched on Tuesday. The index is up 1.6% in August and is on course to snap its two-month losing streak.The Dow and S&P 500 ended slightly lower on Tuesday. The Nasdaq finished barely in the green.The gold price was slightly higher at $1,901.2 per ounce.India stocks will trade only modestly higher at year-end, according to a Reuters poll of equity analysts who said a correction was likely before then, citing tightening global financial conditions as a risk.Indian Rupee likely hold gains made in previous session with pressure from rebound in dollar index likely on the downside.
❮
❯
