Australia stocks lower at close of trade; S&P/ASX 200 down 0.49%

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• India inflation nears RBI's upper target: Poll

  Deficient monsoon rains and escalating global commodity costs have severely restricted household staples, pushing consumer prices close to the central bank's official tolerance threshold. To rein in persistent cost-of-living pressures and stabilize domestic markets, monetary authorities have already commenced policy tightening. The continued upward pressure leaves policymakers poised to enact further interest rate hikes before the end of the year.

  2 min read
• BOJ to hike in December, seek terminal rate of 2%, says ex-central bank top economist

  Seisaku Kameda expects policymakers to combat persistent inflation fueled by expensive energy and currency weakness through steady quarterly tightening. The domestic economy is projected to withstand the escalating borrowing costs thanks to resilient corporate profits and upcoming tax relief on food purchases.

  2 min read
• UK house prices fall 0.6% in October, sharpest monthly drop in a year

  Property values across the nation experienced a notable contraction as market conditions weakened throughout the month. This accelerated downturn highlights mounting pressures on the domestic real estate sector over the course of the period. The development underscores a broader cooling trend impacting property valuations nationwide.

  1 min read