Hong Kong stocks rose around 201 points (0.8%) to 25,733 in Thursday's morning session, extending their gains for a second day. This rise was driven by positive sentiment from Wall Street after the Fed cut interest rates in line with market expectations. Traders remain hopeful of further easing, although the US central bank has signaled a temporary pause. In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority followed the Fed's lead and cut interest rates to their lowest level since October 2022, keeping Hong Kong's monetary policy in line with the US. Gains were broad-based, particularly in the...
The Nikkei 225 index closed down around 0.9% at 50,150 on Thursday, down nearly 450 points from the previous day. The main pressure came from the technology sector and stocks related to the AI/chip theme, with shares of giants like SoftBank plunging sharply after global sentiment toward AI spending wavered following Oracle's disappointing financial report. Regionally, Asian markets also tended to be mixed to weaker despite earlier gains on Wall Street, limiting room for upside in the Nikkei. From a fundamental perspective, the Japanese market is being squeezed in two directions: on the one...
The Hang Seng edged down to finish at 25,530 on Thursday, reversing early gains amid declines in tech and consumer stocks. Sentiment weakened as Chinese markets fell for a third consecutive session after Mexico approved a new tariff package, many from China, with rates of up to 50% starting January 1, 2026. The levies target hundreds of products such as metals, vehicles, clothing, and appliances. At the same time, concerns grew that Beijing might delay stronger property stimulus after the December Politburo meeting made no mention of urbanization, with analysts expecting any major steps...