Bank of Japan policymakers were divided on prospects for achieving their 2% inflation target with some warning that it could take time for wages to rise sustainably, a summary of opinions from their latest meeting showed on Thursday.

The dollar lolled near an eight-month low against its peers on Thursday, as a gloomy U.S. corporate earnings season stoked recession fears and as traders stayed on guard ahead of a slew of central bank meetings next week.

Oil prices were up in early Asian trade on Thursday as U.S. crude stocks rose less than expected, while a weaker dollar made oil cheaper for non-American buyers.

A stronger economy in China is often a key ingredient for global growth. But as China prepares to flex its economic muscles following several years of slumber under Covid duress, some are warning that this time is different.

 Natural rubber is an essential commodity used in tires, latex items, and other products. In 2021, the Global Natural Rubber supply was 13.8 MMT, while global demand was 13.6 MMT. However, market research and information sourced from reliable sources suggest that the global demand CAGR is 3% for the period 2021–2025. It is also predicted that by 2025, Natural Rubber production is estimated to reach around 15.5 MMT.

Asian equities scaled their highest levels in seven months on Wednesday after some regional markets reopened after holidays, and the Australian dollar hit multi-month highs as surging inflation made higher interest rates more likely.