Hong Kong stocks fell 50 points, or 0.2%, to 24,851 in Wednesday morning trading, ending a two-day winning streak amid weakness in the technology, consumer discretionary, and financial sectors. Sentiment worsened after Wall Street closed lower overnight, as weak US data underscored the economic impact of tariffs on activity and earnings. Risk appetite was further dented by reports that two Chinese nationals were arrested in California for allegedly smuggling AI chips, including the Nvidia H100, to China. Caution also grew ahead of China's July trade data and inflation report, with lingering...
The dollar index hovered around 106.6 on Wednesday, its highest level in a week, as market participants awaited further clues on the Fed's plans for its December meeting. Attention will now turn to a speech by Chairman Jerome Powell in New York later in the day, with odds of a 25bps Fed rate cut now hovering around 74%. Also, the ADP report showed the U.S. private sector added 146,000 jobs last month, a strong reading and slightly below market expectations of 150,000. The highly anticipated jobs report is due on Friday. The U.S. dollar gained the most against the yen and the Australian...
Gold prices were steady as market participants weighed political turmoil in South Korea and France, which has boosted demand for safe-haven assets. Bullion was little changed near $2,635 an ounce on Wednesday, after rising 0.2% in the previous session. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made a surprise declaration of martial law late Tuesday, before revoking the decision hours later. Opposition parties have since filed a motion calling for his impeachment. Also in France, President Emmanuel Macron called on lawmakers to reject a vote that would overthrow the government. The precious...
Oil prices firmed on Wednesday as market participants weighed up geopolitical tensions and the prospect of OPEC+ extending supply cuts against weaker demand. Brent crude futures rose 23 cents, or 0.3%, to $73.85 a barrel by 0700 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 19 cents, or 0.3%, to $70.13. On Tuesday, Brent posted its biggest gain in two weeks, rising 2.5%. Meanwhile in the U.S., crude oil inventories rose 1.2 million barrels last week, market sources said, citing data from the American Petroleum Institute. Gasoline inventory also rose, by 4.6 million...
The euro strengthened on Wednesday ahead of a French no-confidence vote, while the Australian dollar fell to a four-month low on slowing economic growth and gains resumed after South Korea's president resigned after declaring martial law. The European common currency held steady at $1.0512 and 82.90 pence ahead of a vote by French lawmakers on a no-confidence motion that is almost certain to topple Prime Minister Michel Barnier's fragile coalition. The debate is due to begin at 4 p.m. in Paris (1500 GMT), with a vote expected about three hours later, parliamentary officials...
Gold fell on Wednesday as a modest recovery in the U.S. dollar outweighed safe-haven demand as markets awaited U.S. jobs data and comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell for clues on the U.S. central bank's policy outlook. Spot gold fell 0.1% to $2,641.79 an ounce by 0902 GMT. U.S. gold futures fell 0.2% to $2,663.70. The dollar index reflects strength that makes dollar-priced bullion more expensive for buyers using other currencies. Traders see about a 74% chance of the Fed cutting interest rates by 25 basis points, according to CME Group's FedWatch Tool. U.S. central...