RBI Rate Decision Looms as Asia's Inflation and Earnings Reports Dominate the Week

The upcoming week will be marked by several significant events in the financial world. China's Golden Week holiday next week is expected to bring a lull in economic activities on the eastern front, but the situation could be offset by ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, which may lead to increased volatility in crude oil prices.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will announce its latest interest-rate decision, with market expectations suggesting that it will raise rates following the recent hike by the US Federal Reserve and rising domestic inflation. This move is likely to have a ripple effect on other countries in the region.

Three Asian countries - Thailand, the Philippines, and Taiwan - are set to release their latest inflation data. Thailand's inflation rate is expected to have accelerated again in September due to higher fuel prices and rising oil costs. The Philippines' inflation has remained above 6% for six consecutive months, while Taiwan may report a fifth straight month of inflation above its central bank target.

On the corporate front, Levi Strauss is set to announce third-quarter earnings, with expectations of $0.36 in earnings per share and revenue of $1.62 billion. PepsiCo's North American business is expected to gradually improve despite commodity price pressure. Delta Airlines will report third-quarter earnings between $1.96 and $2.03 per share on 6% revenue growth.

Top Glove, a Malaysian glove maker, is likely to post strong full-year results due to higher selling prices and a stronger US dollar, but may be impacted by rising raw-material costs. Fast Retail, the owner of Uniqlo, could report a business profit of ¥710 billion on 16% revenue growth.