November 3, 2026
The Commerce Department released a report on Tuesday showing that new orders for U.S.-made goods surged in September. The report said factory orders shot up by 1.8% in September after rising by 0.3% in August. The increase in factory orders came as orders for durable goods surged by 1.9% and orders for non-durable goods shot up by 1.8%.
The Commerce Department said shipments of manufactured goods also jumped by 1.3% in September after inching up by 0.1% in August. Inventories of manufactured goods also rose by 0.4% in September after climbing by 0.5% in August. With shipments increasing by more than inventories, the inventories-to-shipments ratio edged down from 1.47 in August to 1.46 in September. 11/03/2026 - 10:37:00 (RTTNews)
A report released by the Labor Department on Tuesday showed an increase in U.S. job openings in September. The Labor Department said job openings climbed from 7.190 million in August to 7.523 million in September. The report said hires increased from 5.271 million in August to 5.402 million in September, while total separations rose from 5.175 million in August to 5.319 million in September. Within separations, quits climbed from 3.044 million in August to 3.365 million in September, while layoffs and discharges tumbled from 1.768 million in August to 1.641 million in September. 11/03/2026 - 10:17:00 (RTTNews)
The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its benchmark interest rate for the fifth time this year to the highest level in 18 years to bring inflation sustainably back to the target. The board, governed by Michele Bullock, voted 6-3 to lift the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.85%, marking the highest rate since 2008.
The bank has raised its key rate by 125 basis points so far this year. "Given the revised inflation outlook and the continuing upside risks, the Board judged that a further tightening in financial conditions is warranted to support the return of inflation to target," the bank said in a statement. 11/03/2026 - 04:47:00 (RTTNews)
Hong Kong's economy expanded at a faster pace in the three months ending in September, underpinned by accelerating growth in exports and solid domestic demand. Gross domestic product (GDP) advanced 5.2% year-over-year in the third quarter, following a 4.2% growth in the second quarter. The expenditure breakdown showed that gross fixed capital formation grew notably by 7.3%. Private consumption expenditure rose 2.8%, and government consumption was 1.7% higher. Both exports and imports surged by 30.4% and 29.9%. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, real GDP rebounded 1.9% versus a 0.7% contraction in the prior month.
The annual sales value of retail sales grew 6.4% in September, faster than the 5.6% Increase in August. Moreover, this was the quickest growth in four months. Sales of jewelry, watches, clocks, and valuable gifts alone expanded 20.3%, and those of clothing, footwear, and allied products also logged a double-digit growth of 11.3%. Meanwhile, sales at department stores dropped 4.1%. 11/03/2026 - 05:47:00 (RTTNews)
This market update is prepared by Cathay Bank for informational purposes only and does not constitute any form of legal, tax or investment advice, nor should it be considered an assurance or guarantee of future exchange rate movements or trends. This information is provided without regard to the specific objectives, financial situations or needs of any recipient. Cathay Bank does not make any representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of this market update.
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