{"id":52570,"date":"2025-09-02T01:38:37","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T05:38:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/global-markets-eye-bojs-rate-path-russia-china-energy-pact-and-blackstones-asia-push\/52570\/"},"modified":"2025-09-02T01:38:37","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T05:38:37","slug":"global-markets-eye-bojs-rate-path-russia-china-energy-pact-and-blackstones-asia-push","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/global-markets-eye-bojs-rate-path-russia-china-energy-pact-and-blackstones-asia-push\/52570\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Markets Eye BOJ&#8217;s Rate Path, Russia-China Energy Pact, and Blackstone&#8217;s Asia Push"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bank of Japan (<a href=\"\/stock\/BOJ\">BOJ<\/a>) Deputy Governor Himino indicated that further interest rate hikes are appropriate if economic forecasts are met, emphasizing that real interest rates remain &quot;very low&quot; despite three prior increases.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Russia&#39;s gas giant Gazprom (<a href=\"\/stock\/GAZP\">GAZP<\/a>) has finalized a legally binding agreement to construct the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, set to deliver up to 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to China via Mongolia.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the need for China, Russia, and Mongolia to enhance solidarity amidst a worsening global situation and noted significant progress in their trilateral relations.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Blackstone (<a href=\"\/stock\/BX\">BX<\/a>) has committed a substantial investment in South Korean premium hair care business Juno, marking its fourth private equity deal in the country.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Bank of Japan (<a href=\"\/stock\/BOJ\">BOJ<\/a>) Deputy Governor Himino announced today that the central bank&#39;s future interest rate decisions will carefully consider the inflation trajectory and broader economic risks. Himino stated that Japan&#39;s <em>real interest rate remains significantly low<\/em> even after three policy rate hikes, suggesting that continued rate increases are appropriate if the economic outlook aligns with expectations. He also highlighted the need for the BOJ to monitor economic conditions closely without preconceptions, acknowledging both upside and downside risks to prices and the economy.<\/p>\n<p>Separately, Himino reiterated that the BOJ has no current intention to disclose a schedule for divesting its substantial holdings of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The central bank ceased its ETF buying program in March 2024, having amassed approximately <strong>\u00a537 trillion ($242 billion)<\/strong> in ETFs by book value.<\/p>\n<p>On the geopolitical and energy front, Russia&#39;s state-owned gas company Gazprom (<a href=\"\/stock\/GAZP\">GAZP<\/a>) has signed a legally binding agreement for the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline. The pipeline, which will traverse Mongolia, aims to transport up to <strong>50 billion cubic meters (bcm)<\/strong> of gas per year from Russia&#39;s Western Siberian fields to China. This development was confirmed by Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller following a trilateral meeting. The agreement builds upon a prior memorandum of understanding between Gazprom and the Mongolian government.<\/p>\n<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the critical need for China, Russia, and Mongolia to deepen their solidarity, citing a deteriorating global environment. During recent discussions, President Xi noted <em>substantial progress<\/em> in the trilateral relationship, with leaders agreeing to advance major projects in infrastructure and energy supply. This strategic alignment underscores growing cooperation in the region.<\/p>\n<p>In the private equity sector, global investment firm Blackstone (<a href=\"\/stock\/BX\">BX<\/a>) has finalized a significant investment in Juno, a prominent South Korean premium hair care business. This strategic partnership will see Juno&#39;s founder, Yun-Seon Kang, retain her role as CEO, collaborating with Blackstone to drive the company&#39;s continued growth and international expansion. Juno, established in 1982, operates over <strong>180 branches<\/strong> in South Korea and is expanding its footprint across Asia. This transaction marks Blackstone&#39;s fourth private equity investment in South Korea, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the market. Reports from July 2025 indicated that Blackstone was in talks for a deal valued at approximately <strong>US$590 million<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways Bank of Japan (BOJ) Deputy Governor Himino indicated that further interest rate hikes are appropriate if economic forecasts 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