Hong Kong stocks fell 26 points, or 0.1%, to 24,711 on Tuesday morning, reversing gains from the previous session. Traders remained cautious after the city's weather bureau extended its highest "black" rain warning until 11:00 a.m., as heavy rain disrupted schools, hospitals, courts, and civil registry offices. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange remained open with revised policies that allow trading to continue regardless of the weather. Investors also cautiously awaited China's July trade data and upcoming inflation figures, amid concerns over rising trade barriers and weak domestic demand....
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices continued to decline for the second straight day, trading near $71.50 per barrel during European trading hours on Tuesday (2/4). The decline came amid subdued market sentiment following China's announcement of new tariffs on US goods in retaliation for US President Donald Trump's trade moves, which has sparked fears of a potential trade war between the world's two largest economies. China's Ministry of Commerce imposed 15% tariffs on US coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, along with additional 10% levies on crude oil, farm equipment...
Gold (XAU/USD) prices seesawed between modest gains/minor losses through the first half of the European session on Tuesday (February 4) as it remained close to its all-time tops touched the previous day. US President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily suspend tariffs on Mexico and Canada, after reaching a border security deal with the two countries, boosted investor confidence. The risk-on flow, along with the Federal Reserve's (Fed) hawkish pause, provided a modest lift to the US Treasury bond yields and helped the US Dollar (USD) regain some positive traction after the previous day's...
Silver traded around $31.50 an ounce on Tuesday, holding near its highest level since early December as the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China boosted demand for the safe-haven asset. China announced retaliatory tariffs after President Donald Trump's 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports went into effect. Earlier, Trump agreed to delay imposing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month after the countries agreed to take tougher action on migration and drug trafficking. Meanwhile, strong manufacturing data from the ISM indicated some long-awaited pickup in U.S. factory activity,...
The Australian dollar (AUD) held firm after China's retaliation after new US tariffs of 10% on all imports from China came into effect on Tuesday (4/2). China's Ministry of Commerce announced that it would impose 15% tariffs on US coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, along with additional 10% tariffs on crude oil, farm equipment and certain cars. Additionally, to "safeguard national security interests," China imposed export controls on tungsten, tellurium, ruthenium, molybdenum and related products. The AUD/USD pair faces challenges as market volatility remains a concern as...
Gold (XAU/USD) prices attracted some sellers following an intraday rally that re-approached all-time highs and traded in neutral territory heading into the European session on Tuesday (February 4). However, the declines remained muted amid concerns about the potential economic impact of US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs, which may continue to underpin the safe-haven bullion. Moreover, expectations that Trump's protectionist policies will lead to higher US inflation could further benefit the precious metal's status as a hedge against rising prices. Meanwhile, Trump's decision to...