Key Takeaways
- Ukraine is seeking approval to deploy Starlink-equipped drones to target Russian ballistic missile launchers up to 200 km inside Russian territory.
- The Indonesian Rupiah hit its strongest level since mid-June, reaching 17,690 per U.S. dollar amid optimistic growth projections.
- USD/JPY remains capped by technical resistance, with the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) serving as a critical hurdle for further upside.
- Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan was declared "medically fit" by a team of specialist doctors after being transferred to a hospital on Supreme Court orders.
- Jefferies raised its price target for Capgemini (CAP) to €110, up from €95, following the company's latest financial results.
Ukraine Seeks Strategic Starlink Expansion
Ukraine has reportedly requested permission to use Starlink-equipped drones to strike ballistic missile launchers located deep within Russian territory. According to the Financial Times, the proposal aims to target assets up to 200 km across the border to mitigate a severe shortage of air-defense interceptors. The move would require direct approval from Elon Musk, whose stance on the military application of his satellite network has been a point of contention throughout the conflict.
Asian Currency Markets Show Resilience
The Indonesian Rupiah surged to 17,690 per U.S. dollar, marking its most robust performance since mid-June. Investor sentiment was bolstered by President Prabowo's projection of 6% GDP growth for the coming year, alongside a weakening U.S. Dollar. Meanwhile, the Singapore Dollar edged higher as traders scrutinized the long-term efficacy of proposed U.S. fiscal plans and monitored ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Technical Hurdles for USD/JPY
The USD/JPY pair continues to face significant resistance, with the 20-day EMA acting as a primary barrier to a sustained rally. While the pair has stabilized around the 159.00 level, technical analysts at FXStreet suggest a bearish near-term bias remains as long as the spot price holds beneath key moving averages. Market participants are now looking toward upcoming Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data for further direction.
Imran Khan Returned to Custody
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been moved back to Adiala Jail after a medical evaluation at Shifa International Hospital. A team of six specialist doctors declared the 73-year-old "medically fit" to remain in custody, despite concerns from his legal team regarding deteriorating health and vision loss. The medical examination was conducted following a Supreme Court order intended to address the welfare of the jailed leader.
Corporate and Economic Shifts
In the technology sector, Jefferies updated its outlook on Capgemini (CAP), raising the price target to €110 while maintaining a "Hold" rating. The adjustment reflects the firm's analysis of Capgemini's first-half performance and evolving market expectations for the IT services giant. Separately, a Financial Times analysis suggests that the decline of the "male breadwinner" model in Western economies is primarily driven by structural economic shifts—such as the decline of manufacturing and the rise of service-oriented sectors—rather than cultural movements.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.