Asian stocks were set for a cautious open ahead of key economic data and a looming deadline on the potential extension of US tariffs on Chinese exports. US stock futures were steady while the dollar was in a tight range against major peers in early Asian trading. Traders are looking ahead to critical economic data from the US which could shape interest-rate expectations. One key data point will be the US inflation print, which will provide more insight into the Federal Reserve's rates outlook, with fears the economy is teetering on the edge of stagflation. For more, we speak with Eric Sterner, Chief Investment Officer at Apollon Wealth Management.

Plus - Australia's central bank is poised to deliver its third interest-rate cut this year as inflationary pressures ebb, while Governor Michele Bullock is expected to stick with her cautious stance on the monetary policy outlook. Traders and most economists polled by Bloomberg anticipate the Reserve Bank of Australia will lower its cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.6% on Tuesday, bringing its cumulative easing in the current cycle to 75 basis points. For a closer look, we hear from Swati Pandey, Bloomberg Economy and Government Reporter in Sydney. She speaks with Bloomberg's Avril Hong and Paul Allen on The Asia Trade.

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