Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: April 2, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Asian Economic Indicators & Energy Markets

Activity across China’s services sector expanded at a weaker pace in March, according to a private survey, suggesting underlying consumer demand remains sluggish following a temporary boost from the prior month’s Lunar New Year holiday. This softness contrasts against persistent energy market instability in the region, where Japanese power retailers are temporarily halting new contracts for industrial clients due to uncertainty surrounding fuel markets exacerbated by Middle East tensions. Adding to the energy disruption, Japan’s largest LNG buyer, Jera Co., formally terminated a purchase agreement for liquefied natural gas with Commonwealth LNG, according to a filing with the US Department of Energy, signaling immediate shifts in long-term procurement strategies.

Corporate Earnings & Forex

Japanese retail giants kicked off the domestic earnings season with Fast Retailing, the owner of Uniqlo, reporting profit growth while its peer, Seven & i Holdings, delivered a mixed performance, reflecting broader uncertainty over consumer spending outlooks. Elsewhere in Asia, the US Dollar is expected to stabilize around the 4.05 Malaysian Ringgit level next week, according to projections from Kenanga, providing a relative anchor in volatile currency trading. Meanwhile, market infrastructure security was briefly underscored by an unusual event where a college student, Benjamin Brundage, used meme-tracking techniques to assist experts in identifying the source of major cyberattacks.