A look at the day ahead in European and global markets

By Rae Wee, Correspondent

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Some calm was restored to markets on Thursday after the U.S. Treasury slammed the brakes on an ugly bond selloff this week, but ‌the respite may prove short-lived.

U.S. Treasury yields were steady in Asia while Japanese government bond yields fell, after the U.S. Treasury announced it will double buyback sizes for 10- to 30-year Treasury debt securities to at least $4 billion per operation.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attends a media interview at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 30, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper/File Photo

That marked the second time this month that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ⁠has stepped in to try to counteract market moves, having joined Japan in an August 1 currency market intervention to stem the yen's slide.

While Wednesday's announcement was a clear indication of Bessent's discomfort with current yield levels, the selloff in Treasuries was not without reason.

Total U.S. debt has topped $40 trillion for the first time, and around the world, investors are similarly demanding greater compensation to absorb the hefty borrowing needs of developed economies.

Against that backdrop, analysts warn that Bessent's willingness to interfere with market ‌forces ⁠could prove costly in the longer run.

Graphics are produced by Reuters

Elsewhere in markets, Australian employment unexpectedly fell in July and the jobless rate hit its highest point since late 2021, data showed on Thursday, adding to signs of a cooling labour market and easing pressure for another interest rate ⁠hike.

Markets are pricing in little chance of a rate hike from the Reserve Bank of Australia next month, but a move by the end of the year is still viewed ⁠as a coin toss, with much riding on inflation outcomes.

Meanwhile, Sweden's Riksbank is seen keeping its policy rate unchanged at 1.75% later in the day, given mild headline ⁠inflation thanks to a largely fossil-fuel-free energy system.