Asian stocks poised for weekly gain as US rate hike bets fade

Asian stocks poised for weekly gain as US rate hike bets fade

July CPI (0.1% m-o-m, 3.4% y-o-y) slashed Fed rate-hike odds to 40% from 54%, sparking Asia rally: KOSPI +4.4%, Nikkei +1.86%. A Fed pause reduces capex borrowing costs while making Asian equities attractive; elevated oil ($80–88/bbl) sustains inflation pressure.