Central Bank

The digital euro has made its first appearance in wholesale financial markets, marking a step in the European Central Bank's push toward a central bank digital currency. The debut signals that the eurozone is moving beyond research stages and testing how a digital version of the currency could function for institutional financial transactions. Details on scale and participants remain limited, but the development is being closely watched as Europe weighs a broader rollout.

Investors are debating the level of the neutral interest rate as central banks adjust policy, with commentary suggesting the new equilibrium may closely resemble rates from decades ago. The discussion, framed in a Morning Bid market note, ties current rate expectations to historical benchmarks, prompting traders to reconsider how far borrowing costs might settle once inflation concerns fade.

Asian stock markets closed mixed as oil prices moved higher. Gains and losses were split across the region, with rising crude prices weighing on some markets while lifting energy stocks. Investors are watching how higher oil costs affect inflation, central bank policy and corporate earnings in the days ahead.