Asian Stocks Rise on Fed Chair Powell’s Signal of Possible September Rate Cut; Japan, Korea, Australia Gain Amid 84% Easing Odds

Asian-Pacific stock markets have shown gains following positive momentum on Wall Street, driven by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's indication of a potential interest rate cut in September. Powell suggested that easing could occur even before inflation returns to the Fed's target, leading traders to price in an 84% chance of a rate reduction. This outlook has boosted risk appetite across key markets including Japan's Nikkei 225, South Korea's KOSPI, and Australia's ASX 200, which rose by 1.2%, 0.8%, and 0.8% respectively in early trading. Asian currencies have also consolidated, supported by the prospects of Fed easing. However, analysts remain cautious as market participants closely monitor upcoming U.S. inflation data for further signals on the Federal Reserve's policy direction. While Wall Street continued to hit new highs, Asian markets displayed mixed performances in subsequent sessions, reflecting ongoing investor focus on inflation trends and monetary policy expectations.