The Nikkei 225 rose 0.3% to close at 45,630 while the Topix gained 0.23% to 3,170 on Wednesday, reversing losses from earlier in the session, with technology shares driving gains. Japanese equities also drew support from foreign inflows and sustained global optimism around artificial intelligence. On the data front, September PMI figures showed manufacturing remained in contraction despite forecasts for growth, while services expanded at a slower pace. Investors now await Tokyo inflation data and the Bank of Japan's July meeting minutes for policy clues. Meanwhile, US markets retreated...
European stocks were lower on Wednesday, with the STOXX 50 falling 0.2% and the STOXX 600 losing 0.3%, as investors remained cautious following remarks from Fed Chair Powell the previous day. Powell highlighted persistent risks in both the labor market and inflation, while also noting that equity prices appear relatively high. Geopolitical tensions also stayed in focus, with US President Trump escalating his rhetoric against Russia. "I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form", Trump posted on social...
The Hang Seng Index rose 1.4% at 26,518.65 in Hong Kong. The move follows the previous session's decrease of 0.7%. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. contributed the most to the index gain and had the largest move, increasing 9.2%. Today, 49 of 88 shares rose, while 36 fell; 2 of 4 sectors were higher, led by commerce and industry stocks. Source: Bloomberg