Markets React to Fed's Rate Cut Plans

Asian shares rose and the dollar dropped to one-year lows following Federal Reserve minutes indicating readiness to cut U.S. interest rates. This resulted in a rise in U.S. stocks and bonds, with significant movements in currencies like the euro and sterling. South Korea's central bank also hinted at future rate cuts.

Asian shares saw a slight increase while the dollar dropped to one-year lows against the euro and sterling. This movement follows the release of Federal Reserve minutes indicating a likely interest rate cut in September if economic data meets expectations.

The Federal Reserve's minutes triggered rises in U.S. stocks and bonds, with MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan increasing 0.2% and Japan's Nikkei up by 1%. The euro reached its highest level since mid-last year, hitting $1.1173 overnight, while sterling climbed past $1.31.

Ray Attrill from National Australia Bank noted that the signals from the Fed have contributed to the dollar's decline. Futures markets responded by fully pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut for the next month, with some predicting more cuts by mid-2025. The dollar's weakness might be challenged by upcoming U.S. jobs data or PMI figures.

(With inputs from agencies.)