Australia added 35,000 jobs in May, beating forecasts of 20,000, while the unemployment rate fell to 3.9%. Against a backdrop of mixed domestic indicators, money markets still price a 70% chance of a 25 basis-point hike at the Reserve Bank of Australia’s August meeting. Traders also expect the cash rate to peak at 4.35% by year-end. RBA Governor Michele Bullock reiterated that the board “will not hesitate” to raise rates further if inflation remains above the 2-3% target band.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the department plans to increase purchases of long-term government bonds, with the total potentially exceeding the previously announced $4 billion. He made the remarks during a press briefing on Wednesday. Analysts say the prospect of larger purchases could weigh on long-term yields. Lower yields can reduce borrowing costs for businesses and consumers.

BlackRock’s spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) bought about $120 million worth of Ethereum, its largest single-day purchase in seven months. The trade was the fund’s biggest inflow since January 15, when it recorded roughly $149 million in purchases. The spot Ethereum ETF launched in July 2024 and has seen fluctuating inflows since debut.

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is considering joining prediction market platform Polymarket’s new fundraising round as a strategic investment. ICE has already invested in Polymarket twice through March, taking its total stake to $1.64 billion. Polymarket is seeking fresh funding at a valuation exceeding $20 billion, continuing to draw institutional interest.

The US Treasury’s decision to issue more short-term debt was interpreted by markets as a signal the Federal Reserve could cut rates sooner, pushing the dollar lower. Gold rose above $2,400 an ounce and Brent crude futures climbed more than 2% to trade above $85 a barrel. Commodities broadly advanced, a move that could add to inflation pressures.