German Chancellor MERZ said Germany must further cut air-transport taxes.

Spot silver fell 2% intraday to $49.63/oz.

BNP Paribas analyst William Bratton said a Democratic win in US midterms could weigh on Asia-listed AI-related stocks. A full Democratic victory would likely shift policy focus to AI safety, testing and industry standards, undermining AI sentiment; a strong Democratic showing could prompt markets to price in a 2028 “blue wave” and greater scope for stricter AI regulation. Given Northeast Asia’s large exposure to a US-led AI supercycle, this poses downside risk to the region’s tech equities. He added that with investor attention moving toward AI commercialisation, near- to mid-term corporate earnings will be the primary driver of Asian tech performance.