Asia-Pacific markets traded largely lower Thursday as investors await the Bank of Korea policy decision. Japan's Nikkei 225 slid 0.52%, while the Topix tumbled 0.33%. South Korea's Kospi lost 0.43% and the small-cap Kosdaq dipped 0.15%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.1%. Australian rare earths producer Lynas Rare Earths plans to raise about A$750 million ($488 million) through a discounted share sale to boost its processing and exploration activities. The miner will issue stock at A$13.25, about a 10% discount compared to its last close. The company also announced that its shares have...
The European Union announced Wednesday it aims to fast-track the removal of all tariffs on U.S. industrial goods by week's end, following a newly established framework for a broader trade deal agreed late last month. President Trump has insisted that EU tariffs be lifted before the U.S. reduces duties on European auto exports. The EU's move comes after Trump warned Monday of potential new tariffs and export restrictions on advanced tech and semiconductors, citing digital service taxes abroad that he claims "unfairly target U.S. tech firms." While Trump didn't name specific countries, the...
Japanese stocks are likely to weaken on Thursday as the market remains cautious about the impact of US tariffs on corporate earnings. Nvidia's weak earnings outlook could also pressure chip-related stocks. Nikkei futures on SGX fell 0.2% to 42,410. In the forex market, USD/JPY was at 147.27, weakening from 147.75 at the Tokyo close on Wednesday. A slightly stronger yen is usually a headwind for Japanese exporters, adding pressure to equity sentiment. In addition to tariff news, investors are also closely monitoring developments in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election....