Hong kong, 26 Aug (v7n)- Asian equities mostly rose on Monday following US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's indication that interest rate cuts may begin as soon as next month. Powell's comments provided a positive jolt to markets, helping to ease the turmoil experienced earlier in August. However, analysts have cautioned that unexpected economic data could dampen this optimism.

Powell, in his much-anticipated speech at the Jackson Hole symposium, stated, "The time has come for policy to adjust," suggesting that rate cuts could be imminent. He emphasized that the pace and timing of these cuts would depend on future economic data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. Powell expressed growing confidence that inflation is on track to return to the Fed's 2% target.

The Fed's anticipated rate cuts have already led to a rise in equities, with traders speculating on a possible reduction of around one percentage point by the end of the year