Politics
Asian markets rise ahead of US election, Chinese stimulus meeting
Asian markets rise ahead of US election, Chinese stimulus meeting
Asian markets rose Monday as investors steel themselves for a too-close-to-call US presidential election, while Chinese leaders meet to hammer out a stimulus package that experts say could be determined by the vote.
The gains came after a positive lead from Wall Street and data showing far fewer US jobs were created last month than expected, boosting hopes for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut when it gathers this week.
With Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and her Republican rival Donald Trump neck and neck ahead of Tuesday’s poll, traders are keeping a close eye on any hint of an advantage either way.
The dollar slipped Monday as a fresh opinion poll in Iowa — which Trump won in 2016 and 2020 — showed Harris leading.
A victory for Trump is seen as being positive for the dollar and pushing up Treasury yields owing to his pledges to cut taxes and impose hefty tariffs on imports.
Elections for the Senate and House of Representatives are also being closely watched amid speculation the Republicans could take control of both.
“It’s not just about who wins the presidency but also the composition of the House and Senate,” said Peter Esho, founder of Esho Capital.
“If the Republicans sweep all three, that will open the door to significant fiscal changes, which is negative for bondholders and could spell higher yields until the dust settles.”
The election comes days before the Fed is due to make its latest policy decision, with investors expecting 25-basis-point reduction after a bumper 50-point cut at its last gathering.
The vote is of particular interest to China, where Beijing is this week meeting to hammer out an economic stimulus.
The concrete measures are expected to be announced Friday, allowing time for officials to digest the result and make allowances for either.
“We believe the US election results will have some impact on the size of Beijing’s stimulus package,” said Ting Lu, Nomura’s Chief China Economist, in a research note.
Both candidates in the race have pledged to get tougher on Beijing, with Trump promising tariffs of 60 percent on all Chinese goods coming into the country.
“We are expecting more details on the proposals to be passed,” said Heron Lim of Moody’s Analytics, including “how this extra funding would be allocated to address the near-term economic issues”.
Nomura economists expect lawmakers this week to approve around a trillion yuan ($140 billion) in extra budget — mostly for indebted local governments.
Observers also expect Beijing to approve a one-off one trillion yuan for banks, aimed at writing off non-performing loans over the past four years.
Markets rose across Asia, with Hong Kong and Shanghai among the best performers, while Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Wellington and Jakarta were also well up.
Oil prices rose more than one percent after eight members of the OPEC+ group of producers said Sunday they would extend supply cuts until the end of next month.
They had been delaying output hikes on worries about slowing demand in China and the United States.
The commodity was also being supported by geopolitical tensions after Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned at the weekend that Israel and the United States “will definitely receive a tooth-breaking response” to Israeli attacks on October 26.
That strike was in response to an October 1 barrage of about 200 missiles against its rival.
Key figures around 0230 GMT
Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 0.2 percent at 20,546.35
Shanghai – Composite: UP 0.3 percent at 3,282.42
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: Closed for a holiday
Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0888 from $1.0833 on Friday
Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2975 from $1.2917
Dollar/yen: DOWN at 151.79 yen from 153.01 yen
Euro/pound: UP at 83.92 from 83.86 pence
West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.5 percent at $70.50 per barrel
Brent North Sea Crude: UP 1.4 percent at $74.09 per barrel
New York – Dow: UP 0.7 percent at 42,052.19 (close)
London – FTSE 100: UP 0.8 percent at 8,177.15 (close)
Politics
David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens
The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.
Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.
Politics
“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark
ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians
Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.
“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.
“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.
Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.
Politics
2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC
The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.
Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.
“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.
“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.
“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.
“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.
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