SINGAPORE — Asia-Pacific markets were set to trade higher on Monday as investors turn their focus to central banks.

Futures indicated a slightly higher open for in JapanWhile Australia is the benchmark ASX 200Early trade saw a rise of 0.2%

This week’s monetary policy meeting will see a number of prominent central banks meet, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan.

When the Fed tapers at an accelerated pace, it seems certain that there will be no tapering. [Federal Open Market Committee]In an early morning note, ANZ Research analysts stated that the meeting will be held this week.

According to them, the U.S. central banks will reduce monthly bond purchases by $30 Billion per month beginning in January. This is a reduction of $15 billion.

Analysts added that “the Fed’s guidance regarding transitory inflation would be removed and the new inflation guidance will likely reflect a clear determination of to act accordingly to control inflation.”

Data showed Friday inflation in the United States accelerated at its fastest pace since 1982. The report was received positively by investors who shrugged it off.

Ray Attrill of the National Australia Bank’s foreign-exchange strategy, stated in a morning notice that “markets were evidently ready for even worse news.”

Attrill stated that markets will be watching closely this week for developments regarding the Covid strain of omicron.

U.K.: Sunday’s increase in the Coronavirus Threat Level was announced by the government. It warned of the danger posed by the spread of the omicron virus strain, which could lead to the country entering dangerous territory. Associated Press reported. Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom said that Britain faces an a “tidal wave” of Covid cases caused by the new variant.

Israeli researchers reported elsewhere that three shots of Pfizer BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine offered significant protection against the micron variant. Reuters reported. These findings are similar to the ones above. presented by the above-mentioned drugmakers.

On the currency markets, the U.S.dollar traded almost flat against a basket of peers. This is The dollar indexIt was 96.067. This is little different from the 96.093 session record.

It Japanese yenThe exchange rate was 113.46 US Dollars Australian dollarThe price was $0.7168

The oil prices rose, and U.S. crude was up by 0.95% to $72.35 per barrel.