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Daily Summary

Asia & Pacific Edition

November 4, 2026 at 5:30 AM ET

Markets Recap for November 3, 2026

RBA Raises Rates Again, Signals Tough Economic Times Ahead

What's in the markets today?

The Reserve Bank of Australia delivered a rate hike decision, raising its policy rate to 4.85 and citing persistent inflation as a key driver for the move. Following the decision, market attention turned to the impact on household finances and lending conditions, with analysts highlighting rising costs for borrowers and businesses throughout Australia. In New Zealand, the government released building permits data showing a decline of 7.9, signaling a slowdown in construction activity as higher rates weigh on the property sector. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced 0.57% after technology and consumer stock gains, while major Japanese benchmarks were closed for the session. Meanwhile, gold prices slipped 0.74% in Asia trade.

Benchmark Moves

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.57%, led by gains in technology and consumer stocks. Separately, the Reserve Bank of Australia announced a policy rate hike to 4.85%, raising borrowing costs across the region. Gold prices dropped 0.74%, reflecting the impact of tighter monetary policy on demand for non-yielding assets. The policy decision reprices expectations for rates and capital flows across Asian markets. This move signals ongoing central bank pressure on broad market conditions across assets.

Nikkei 225
N225
Nikkei 225
63,081.64
---
TOPIX
TOPX
TOPIX
3,930.28
---
Hang Seng Index
HSI
Hang Seng Index
23,525.97
+132.65+0.57%
CSI 300
CSI300
CSI 300
4,008.87
-8.04-0.20%
KOSPI
KS11
KOSPI
5,648.79
-210.29-3.59%

Market data as of Nov 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

Toyota
TM
Toyota
193.00
-2.83-1.45%
Alibaba
BABA
Alibaba
100.36
-1.14-1.12%
Sony
SONY
Sony
25.39
-0.12-0.47%
Samsung Electronics
005930.KS
Samsung Electronics
219,500.00
-9,500.00-4.15%
Tencent
TCEHY
Tencent
50.42
+0.16+0.32%

Market data as of Nov 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

Commodities & Crypto

Detailed View →
Gold
GC
Gold
3,940.40
-29.20-0.74%
Silver
SI
Silver
49.75
-1.13-2.23%
WTI Crude Oil
CL
WTI Crude Oil
96.09
-0.37-0.38%
Natural Gas
NG
Natural Gas
2.90
+0.04+1.37%
Bitcoin
BTCUSDT
Bitcoin
78,194.00
+740.14+0.96%

Market data as of Nov 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.

Key Financial Reports

Earnings reports from major companies showed varied performance. Yum China Holdings, Inc. (YUMC) reported an EPS of $0.91, driven by strong revenue growth and operating profit. However, the company acknowledged challenges with same-store sales remaining below the prior year. Luckin Coffee Inc. (LKNCY) delivered an EPS of $0.89, supported by record profitability and substantial revenue growth, despite facing a decline in same-store sales. Overall, these results highlight resilience in the consumer sector amid ongoing economic pressures.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Detailed View →
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited
AVIFY
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited
Actual
0.14
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
Coupang, Inc.
CPNG
Coupang, Inc.
Actual
-0.18
Estimate
-0.23
Surprise
21.74%
Previous
-0.09
Yum China Holdings, Inc.
YUMC
Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Actual
0.91
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
Luckin Coffee Inc.
LKNCY
Luckin Coffee Inc.
Actual
0.89
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-

EPS reported on November 3, 2026 ET. Figures use each company's reported basis.

Key Macroeconomic Reports

Australia's economy is facing tighter conditions after the RBA raised its policy rate to 4.85%. In New Zealand, building permits fell sharply by 7.9%, showing a slowdown in construction activity. Together, higher borrowing costs and weaker building signals point to cooling demand across the region. This combination supports the case for markets to price in ongoing pressure on rate-sensitive sectors.

Macroeconomic Data

Detailed View →
AU
AU | RBA Interest Rate Decision
22:30
Actual
4.85
Forecast
4.85
Previous
4.60
NZ
NZ | Building Permits s.a. (MoM)
16:45
Actual
-7.90
Forecast
-
Previous
5.60
NZ
NZ | Building Permits MoM
16:45
Actual
-7.90
Forecast
-
Previous
5.30
NZ
NZ | 1-Year Bill Auction
20:35
Actual
3.51
Forecast
-
Previous
3.71
NZ
NZ | 3-Month Bill Auction
20:35
Actual
2.96
Forecast
-
Previous
3.19

Macroeconomic data released on November 2, 2026 ET.

Top Stories

A quick look at the five stories that shaped today's market sentiment. Explained with brief context highlighting why each story mattered today.

‘Feels like a recession’, says Bullock as cash rate hits 4.85pc

Reserve Bank of Australia governor Michele Bullock stated that many Australians may feel as though they are in a recession due to the central bank raising interest rates to 4.85%, the highest in 18 years. This decision, made by six of the nine monetary policy board members, marks the fifth increase this year. The rise is attributed to concerns over widespread inflation, which has intensified pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers to reduce government spending.

Source: Australian Financial Review

Canva revenue stuck in mud, confidential data shows; job cuts loom

Canva is facing potential staff layoffs as its leadership team reviews internal data showing a decline in active users and stagnant revenue growth. The company, valued at $US31 billion ($44.3 billion), reported an annualized revenue of approximately US$3.69 billion at the end of October, unchanged from earlier this year. Co-founder Mel Perkins expressed regret over the disruption caused by the layoffs, as the company seeks effective strategies to attract users and enhance profitability.

Source: Australian Financial Review

Chalmers must cut spending to solve inflation problem

The AFR View emphasizes the need for Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the expenditure review committee to pursue real savings in the upcoming MYEFO to avoid further interest rate hikes. The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised the cash rate to 4.85%, its fifth increase this year, following a period of lower rates compared to other countries. Governor Michele Bullock indicated that this rate rise would feel like a recession for many Australians due to the impact of inflation and stagnant wage growth.

Source: Australian Financial Review

This is the RBA’s cruellest rate rise. Australia is becoming K-shaped

The Reserve Bank's fifth rate increase this year is expected to disproportionately affect young families and small businesses, intensifying economic challenges. The article reflects on the atmosphere at Flemington Racecourse before the Melbourne Cup, contrasting the excitement of the event with the economic strain felt by many. The ongoing rate hikes signal a growing divide in the economy, as some sectors experience significant pain while others remain insulated.

Source: Australian Financial Review

RBA’s ugly outlook spells tough times for Australia’s economy

The Reserve Bank of Australia has updated its forecasts for economic growth, inflation, and unemployment, revealing a fragile economic outlook. The recent increase in the cash rate to 4.85% is accompanied by concerning data in the bank's quarterly Statement on Monetary Policy. Governor Michele Bullock acknowledged that many Australians may feel poorer, leading to perceptions of a recession, despite the bank not forecasting a technical recession for the overall economy.

Source: Australian Financial Review

Other Headlines

FT Asia PacificNov 3, 2026

Australia raises rates to highest level since 2008 financial crisis

Australian Financial ReviewNov 3, 2026

The RBA has finally acted. But we could be at a tipping point

FT Asia PacificNov 3, 2026

Shell to sell Australian gas stake to Abu Dhabi’s XRG for $1.45bn

Australian Financial ReviewNov 3, 2026

Chalmers, Bullock grapple with a home-grown debacle

FT Asia PacificNov 3, 2026

China halts listings in bid to bolster struggling markets

Nikkei AsiaNov 2, 2026

Japan's Aisin develops new type of AI chip that cuts energy use 98%

FT Asia PacificNov 3, 2026

Japan’s interest rates are rising. Will young people lose out?

Australian Financial ReviewNov 3, 2026

Sydney house prices to drop 16pc in ‘largest downturn on record’: CBA

Nikkei AsiaNov 3, 2026

Thailand to raise tax on imported EVs to 35% as Chinese brands gain ground

CNBC — Asia PacificNov 2, 2026

CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: Nvidia's humanoid push relies on China-made robot hands

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