Headline: Risk Appetite Returns as RBA Signals Tight Stance, China Eases Tech-Material Curbs, Crypto Soars
Global markets opened the week on a cautiously upbeat note, with central bank signals, commodity policy shifts, and a sharp crypto rally shaping sentiment. Investors weighed a firmer inflation-fighting message from Australia’s central bank, an easing of China’s export restrictions on key tech materials, and improving liquidity indicators that helped lift risk assets from equities to digital currencies.
RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser indicated that bringing inflation back to target will likely require monetary policy to remain restrictive, noting Australia’s economy is still tighter than typical in a recovery phase. Traders in Japan are also on alert ahead of remarks from Bank of Japan policy board member Junko Nakagawa, a potential catalyst for the yen and Nikkei as markets gauge the path of BOJ normalization.
On the policy front, China’s commerce ministry paused export restrictions on gallium, germanium, antimony, and related inputs to the United States through late 2026, signaling a broader softening of tech-material curbs. The move could ease pressure on semiconductor and advanced manufacturing supply chains and temper price volatility across critical materials.
Risk sentiment improved alongside these developments. S&P 500 E-mini futures opened with a gap higher near 6,787.50, up about 0.5%, while Dow futures gained amid renewed hopes for a U.S. government funding deal and ongoing focus on megacap tech valuations. In crypto, Bitcoin surged past $103,000 as easing liquidity and a stalled U.S. dollar index supported a risk-on tone; Ethereum hovered near $3,500. Market chatter around a proposed $2,000 dividend plan—still subject to congressional approval—added to the speculative bid in digital assets, even as investors monitored the SOFR–EFFR spread for further signs of funding conditions.
Key Points – RBA’s Andrew Hauser signaled policy must remain restrictive to tame inflation, limiting room for near-term easing. – BOJ board member Junko Nakagawa’s upcoming remarks are in focus for yen and Nikkei volatility. – China suspended export curbs on gallium, germanium, and antimony to the U.S. until late 2026, easing supply-chain pressures. – S&P 500 E-mini futures opened higher, and Dow futures advanced on improved risk sentiment and funding deal hopes. – Bitcoin pushed above $103,000 and Ethereum neared $3,500 on better liquidity and a softer U.S. dollar. – Traders are watching liquidity gauges and central bank signals to gauge the durability of the risk-on move.
