The Nikkei 225 jumped 1.5% to above 38,800 while the broader Topix index gained 0.9% to 2,720 on Monday, with Japanese shares rising for a second straight session after suffering losses over the past two weeks. Local shares also mirrored Wall Street's gains, as strong U.S. economic data and optimism over the election outcome continued to support equities. Looking ahead, investors are focused on Tokyo's inflation figures, due later this week, as they are seen as a leading indicator of national price trends. Technology stocks led the rally, with significant gains from Lasertec (+3.2%), Tokyo...
Oil prices held near two-week highs on Monday after rising 6% last week, as geopolitical tensions escalated between Western powers and major oil producers Russia and Iran, raising the risk of supply disruptions. Brent crude futures rose 13 cents, or 0.2%, to $75.30 a barrel by 0115 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $71.38 a barrel, up 14 cents, or 0.2%. Both contracts last week posted their biggest weekly gains since late September to reach their highest settlements since Nov. 7 after Russia fired a hypersonic missile over Ukraine in a warning to the United States and...
Gold tumbled after surging by the most in 20 months last week, with traders ignoring a softer US dollar and shifting their attention to the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest-rate decision. Bullion fell by almost 2% to drop back below $2,700 an ounce, despite a slide in the US currency, which typically aids the commodity. Investors are now focused on the outlook for monetary policy, after a report showed US business activity expanding at the fastest pace since April 2022. Swaps traders see a less-than-even chance the central bank will cuts rates next month. Higher...