Asian stock markets weakened due to patient approach to rate cuts amid inflation persistence.

Asian stock markets weakened as policymakers take a patient approach to rate cuts amid inflation persistence. MSCI's Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.57%, with Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index declining 0.8%, worsened by falling commodity prices and geopolitical tensions, including China's military activities. Investors reduced bets on global rate cuts due to the Federal Reserve's policy meeting minutes and inflation data.