Asian Stocks Rise Ahead of Fed Chief Warsh's Speech

Asian stocks have mostly risen as investors await a speech by US Federal Reserve boss Kevin Warsh at the annual meeting of central bankers and economic leaders in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The speech is seen as crucial for clues on interest rates amid elevated inflation.

The debate surrounding whether or not the Fed will tighten monetary policy has been ongoing since the July Fed meeting, where policymakers kept borrowing costs on hold but with three dissenting votes in favour of a hike. Despite recent data showing inflation easing slightly, it remains above the 2% target.

Worries that price rises will remain elevated for some time have put upward pressure on long-term Treasury yields, making government borrowing increasingly expensive. Analysts warn that Warsh's refusal to give forward guidance will likely mean investors are left disappointed.

The speech arrives against a difficult policy backdrop, with inflation remaining above target for a sixth consecutive year and Fed officials debating whether tighter policy may still be required.