Hong Kong stocks rose 98 points, or 0.4%, to 24,607 in early trading on Monday, ending a four-day losing streak amid gains led by the property and technology sectors. Sentiment improved after China's top leaders pledged to support the economy and tackle "irregular competition" at last week's Politburo meeting. Beijing also confirmed plans to hold its fourth plenary session in October, which will likely focus on the next five-year plan. A modest rebound in US stock futures added support, following Wall Street's sharp decline on Friday due to weak employment data. On tariffs, US Treasury...
The Japanese yen fell past 158 per dollar on Tuesday, marking its lowest point in more than five months and prompting fresh verbal intervention from a top Japanese official. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato reiterated his warning against speculative and unilateral currency moves, signaling the government's readiness to take action if excessive volatility persists. The comments came as the yen weakened toward the 160 per dollar level, which had previously prompted intervention six months ago. The yen has come under pressure recently amid growing uncertainty over the timing of an interest...
Oil prices settled higher on Tuesday, driven by concerns over limited supply from Russia and Iran because of Western sanctions and expected higher Chinese demand. Brent crude futures settled at $77.05 a barrel, up 75 cents, or 0.98%. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude finished at $74.25 a barrel, up 69 cents, 0.94%. Traders were looking to the Chinese stimulus plans to drive growth as supplies are tight following the Christmas and New Year's holidays, said Forex market analyst Razan Hilal. Concern over sanctions tightening supply has translated into increased demand for Middle...
Gold prices trimmed earlier gains, trading below $2,650 per ounce on Tuesday after a 1% rise earlier in the session. The strengthening dollar and rising Treasury yields pressured gold as U.S. job openings indicated lower chances of significant rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Stronger-than-expected job openings and solid services sector data pointed to a resilient economy, likely keeping the Fed cautious about easing rates. The dollar rebounded from a one-week low, further weighing on gold, which typically benefits from lower interest rates. Investor concerns that proposed U.S. tariffs...
Oil prices edged lower on Tuesday as optimism over demand faded, although tighter Russian and Iranian supplies driven by expanded Western sanctions curbed losses. Brent crude futures were down 25 cents, or 0.33%, at $76.05 a barrel by 0950 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down 44 cents, or 0.60%, at $73.12. Both benchmarks fell on Monday, after rising for five straight days last week and ending at their highest levels since October on Friday amid expectations of more fiscal stimulus to revitalize China's faltering economy. "This week's weakness is likely a technical...
Gold edged higher on a weaker dollar as traders weighed risks to global trade after President-elect Donald Trump denied reports that he might moderate his broad tariff plans. Bullion traded above $2,640 an ounce, after ending lower in the previous two sessions. Uncertainty about the much-anticipated U.S. move helped lift the 10-year Treasury yield to its highest since May on Monday, while the dollar fell. The precious metal typically faces headwinds from higher yields but support from a weaker U.S. currency. "Gold is seen consolidating in a range, but is likely to trade with a positive...