Nikkei at fresh record, tech stocks upbeat on Hon Hai news

Japan kicks off the week with a bang as the ruling LDP picks Sanae Takaichi, sending the Nikkei to record highs while the yen slides and Japanese bond yields surge on expectations of easier fiscal and monetary policy. Meanwhile, the US government shutdown drags on, delaying key data such as the nonfarm payrolls report, keeping markets guessing about the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) next move. Oil prices rebound after OPEC’s output hike, while gold and Bitcoin extend their rallies as investors seek shelter from political and policy uncertainty. With the earnings season about to start and AI stocks still driving sentiment, markets could be in for another interesting week. Listen to find out more!