<h1>Asian Markets Mixed as US Rate Cut Hopes Boost Stocks and Bitcoin Hits Record High</h1> Asian stock markets showed mixed performance following gains fueled by expectations of US interest rate cuts, with some indices declining while others rose slightly. The Japanese yen strengthened against the dollar after comments from a US Treasury official criticizing Japan's slow monetary tightening. US futures declined marginally, and major US stock indices experienced modest increases amid hopes the Federal Reserve will reduce rates in September to stimulate economic growth despite inflation concerns. The cryptocurrency market saw significant gains, with Bitcoin reaching a record high and a cryptocurrency exchange's IPO surging. Political pressure from the US administration for rate cuts contrasts with the Fed's cautious approach due to potential inflationary impacts from tariffs. Upcoming US inflation data is anticipated to show a slight increase. Oil prices edged higher in early trading.