Asian stocks are poised to rise today, spurred by a rebound in US regional banking stocks, including the US non-farm payroll numbers that were stronger than expected. On Friday, May 5, the KBW regional banking stock rose 4.7%, with PacWest Bank Corp leading the surge by 81.7% and Western Allied. NZ Bank Corp also soared 49.2%.
Meanwhile, investors are closely monitoring the progress of a bill to raise the US debt ceiling, which is currently at $31.4 trillion. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that failing to increase the government’s debt ceiling could lead to a deeper recession. She had previously sent a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, cautioning that the United States could face a debt default by June 1 if Congress does not act.
US President Joe Biden is expected to meet with Congress leaders on Tuesday to discuss raising the debt ceiling unconditionally, but analysts predict that the bill may not pass the Senate. If it does, President Biden is expected to use his veto power to oppose the bill because it includes a proposal to cut government spending over the next decade.
Investors are also awaiting comments from Federal Reserve officials this week. New York Fed President John Williams will speak at a meeting hosted by the New York State Economic Association on Tuesday, while Fed Governor Phillip Jefferson and St. Louis Fed President James Bullard will speak at the Stanford University talks on monetary policy on Friday.
Additionally, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is set to release the minutes of its meeting today. Investors are keeping a close eye on the BOJ’s forward guidance on future policy trends, as well as its decision to conduct a broad review of monetary policy.
Lastly, investors are waiting for the release of US inflation numbers this week. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April will be released on Wednesday, followed by the Producer Price Index (PPI) for April on Thursday. These releases will be closely watched by investors for their potential impact on the global economy.