"Asia Markets Gain Ahead of Key Rate Decisions"

Japan's Nikkei 225 index led gains in Asia-Pacific markets, with China shares also rising after strong economic data. The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to hold its benchmark interest rates steady, while the Bank of Japan may exit its negative interest rate policy. China reported stronger-than-expected retail and industrial numbers for the first two months of 2024. Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan saw their shares rise after signing a memorandum of understanding related to the electric-vehicle market. Singapore's non-oil domestic exports unexpectedly fell in February. UBS predicts that the "next big thing" in tech will come from sectors such as enabling tech, healthtech, greentech, and fintech. Oil futures gained for the week, while consumer sentiment was slightly below expectations for March. Bitcoin experienced a 7% overnight drop in value.