Asian Stocks Face Volatility Amid Central Bank Meetings and Economic Reports

Asian stocks slipped as investors awaited a pivotal week filled with central bank meetings and US inflation data that could impact expectations for rate cuts next year. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady this week, but the focus will be on the dot plots for rates and Chair Jerome Powell's press conference. The European Central Bank, Bank of England, Norges Bank, and the Swiss National Bank also have meetings this week. Investors are cautious, and the MSCI Asia-Pacific index outside Japan eased 0.65%. The market will also be watching the COP28 climate summit and the outcome of a deal to phase out fossil fuel use.