Hamas officials were in Egypt on Monday (October 6th) ahead of talks with Israel that the US hopes will lead to an end to the war in Gaza and the release of hostages, despite contentious issues such as the disarmament of Palestinian militant groups under Donald Trump's plan. Israeli negotiators were also scheduled to travel to the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh later in the day to discuss the hostages' release, part of the US president's 20-point blueprint for ending the two-year conflict. The Israeli delegation includes officials from the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence...
The Hang Seng rose 146 points or 0.6% to finish at 23,828 on Wednesday, marking its second straight session of gains and reaching its highest level since late March. All sectors advanced, led by consumer, tech, and property stocks. Market sentiment was buoyed by a positive call from Morgan Stanley, which raised its targets for Chinese stock indexes, citing structural improvements and progress on tariffs and earnings. However, further upside was limited by a sharp drop in U.S. futures following Wall Street's recent rally. Also, Morgan Stanley warned that deflation risks in China may...
Both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 slipped 0.2% on Wednesday, retreating from nearly two-month highs reached the previous day, as traders awaited new catalysts amid concerns over stalled trade talks, weak economic data, and corporate earnings. Markets are closely watching the ongoing G7 finance ministers' meeting for any signals that a weaker dollar could support progress in trade negotiations. In the UK, inflation rose to 3.5%, prompting investors to scale back expectations for Bank of England rate cuts. On the corporate front, JD Sports shares plunged over 7% after reporting a 2% drop in...
The Nikkei 225 fell 214 points or 0.6% to close at 37,315 on Wednesday, following small gains in the previous session. Meanwhile, the broader Topix index slipped 0.3%, giving up early gains. These declines followed fresh trade data showing Japan's exports grew at the slowest pace in seven months in April, as rising U.S. tariffs began to weigh. Exports to the U.S. fell for the first time in four months, driven by weaker demand for automobiles, steel, and ships. According to the Nikkei newspaper, lead trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa is set to visit the U.S. on Friday for a third round of...
Hong Kong stocks rose 124 points or 0.5% to a seven-week high of 23,806 in early trade Wednesday, extending gains from the previous session as most sectors advanced. Sentiment continued to be supported by China's central bank cutting key lending rates for the first time in seven months to support growth and ease trade-related risks. Major state banks in the mainland also lowered deposit rates to relieve pressure from narrowing interest margins. However, gains were somewhat limited by a rise in the city's jobless rate to 3.4% in the three months ending April its highest in over two years...
The Nikkei 225 slipped 76 points or 0.2% to 37,454 in Wednesday's morning session, retreating from a modest gain the previous day as investors digested Japan's latest trade figures. Exports rose 2.0% year-on-year in April, marking the slowest growth in seven months amid mounting pressure from rising U.S. tariffs. Meanwhile, imports fell less than expected, reflecting Tokyo's efforts to support domestic demand in the face of trade uncertainty. Japan's chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, reaffirmed the country's demand for the removal of U.S. tariffs, with the third round of trade talks...
Asia-Pacific markets traded higher, tracking Wall Street gains overnight.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.41% after hitting a fresh record high on Thursday, while the Topix added 0.61%. South...
Both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovered around the flatline on Friday, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of further developments in trade talks between US President Trump and Chinese...
Hamas officials were in Egypt on Monday (October 6th) ahead of talks with Israel that the US hopes will lead to an end to the war in Gaza and the release of hostages, despite contentious issues such...