The US dollar strengthened slightly and US Treasury bonds pared earlier gains after disappointing US jobs data proved insufficient to convince the market that the Fed would soon cut interest rates again. The dollar strengthened against G10 currencies, most notably against the yen, while the yield on the 10-year US Treasury note rose to around 4.17%. In commodity markets, the movement was much more violent. Oil prices rose about 1.3% after President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, sparking supply concerns from the OPEC member. At the same time,...
Asia-Pacific markets opened mixed Monday as investors awaited China's rate decision at a time when the yuan has come under pressure due to Beijing-Washington trade tensions.Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 0.43% at the start of the day, while the broader Topix index lost 0.35%.In South Korea, the Kospi index increased 0.11% at the open while the small-cap Kosdaq was flat.Investors will be keeping a watch on the People's Bank of China's loan prime rate verdict, expected later in the day.Australian and Hong Kong markets were closed for the Easter holiday.Investors are focused on U.S....
The Nikkei 225 jumped 1.03% to close at 34,730 while the broader Topix index advanced 1.14% to 2,559 on Friday, extending gains from the previous session amid hopes that ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and Japan will lead to tariff concessions. Earlier this week, Japanese Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa told reporters that Trump has said getting a deal with Japan is a "top priority." On the economic front, recent data showed that Japan's headline inflation eased to a four-month low of 3.6% in March, while core inflation rose as expected to 3.2%. Looking ahead, markets are focused on...
The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.2% to above 34,400 while the broader Topix index edged up 0.1% to 2,533 on Friday, extending gains from the previous session amid hopes that ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and Japan will lead to tariff concessions. Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted "great progress" in the negotiations during a meeting in Washington with Japanese Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa. On the economic front, recent data showed that Japan's headline inflation eased to a four-month low of 3.6% in March, while core inflation rose as expected to 3.2%. Looking...
U.S. stocks end a shortened week with mixed performances. For the first time on record, the DJIA drops more than 1% while the S&P 500 rises. The Dow industrials are dragged down by a 22% slide on UnitedHealth Group, after the insurer slashes its outlook. Alcoa falls 7% as it expects tariffs on aluminum to create a $100 million headwind on annual earnings. Eli Lilly gains 14% as its experimental pill to fight diabetes while reducing weight meets pivotal goals. Energy and consumer staples stocks are the top gainers among S&P 500 sectors. DJIA falls 1.3%, to 39142; the S&P 500...
US stocks were mostly flat to hold this week's sharp losses before tomorrow's holiday, as markets assessed mixed corporate earnings and risks around President Trump's uncertain tariff policies. The S&P 500 inched above the flatline and the Nasdaq 100 added 0.3% on some respite for the tech sector. TSMC gained 3% on a strong guidance, supporting the broader chip sector after Nvidia's export embargo by Trump and poor results from ASML drove chip stocks to record steep losses this week. On the trade front, threats on tariffs on copper, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and lumber were yet...
The Hang Seng rallied 338 points or 1.6% to end at 21,395 on Thursday, rebounding from the previous session's weakness. The recovery tracked a surge in US futures after President Trump cited "big progress" in negotiations aimed at helping Japan avoid higher tariffs. Investor sentiment was also boosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping's call for regional unity and an "Asian family" during his Southeast Asia tour. Gains were broad-based, led by tech, property, and consumer sectors. However, upside momentum was capped after Fed Chair Powell warned that tariffs could slow growth and push up...
Major European bourses traded lower on Thursday, with both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 down 0.4% as investors digest fresh corporate earnings, look ahead to the European Central Bank's upcoming policy decision and continue to follow the trade war. Hermes shares fell 3% after the luxury brand reported a 7% year-on-year revenue increase in Q1, falling short of expectations for 7.6%. In contrast, Siemens Energy surged nearly 10% after the company raised its outlook for fiscal 2025, with first-quarter revenue and profit also exceeding forecasts. Meanwhile, the ECB is widely expected to deliver...
The Nikkei 225 index rose 1.35% to close at 34,377 while the broader Topix index jumped 1.29% to 2,530 on Thursday, reversing losses from the previous session as progress in U.S.-Japan trade talks lifted market sentiment. President Donald Trump met with Japanese Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa, with discussions reportedly expanding to include the cost of troop deployment, adding a geopolitical dimension to the negotiations. On the economic front, Japan's March export growth missed expectations, dragged down by weak demand from China and the EU. However, a return to positive import growth...
Gold rises in the early Asian trade. There's a broad commodities uptrend, driven by macro uncertainty, a weaker dollar, and persistent demand for "hard" assets, says Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst...
Oil extended declines after OPEC+ agreed to a bigger-than-expected production increase next month, raising concerns about oversupply just as US tariffs fan fears about the demand outlook.
Brent...
The Japanese Yen (JPY) weakened against its US counterpart and reversed part of Friday's recovery from the lowest level since July 23 following Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda's remarks....