The Australian dollar (AUD) strengthened against the US dollar (USD) this morning after the latest inflation data from the TD Securities–Melbourne Institute (TD-MI) showed a higher-than-expected surge in consumer prices. The monthly inflation index rose 0.4% in September, reversing from a 0.3% decline in the previous month. Annually, inflation now stands at 3%, slightly above the upper end of the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) target range of 2–3%. This rise in inflation has fueled speculation that the RBA may reconsider its cautious stance on interest rates. Although the RBA held its...
The Hang Seng rose 174 points or 0.7% to close at 25,562 on Monday, rebounding from losses in the prior session amid broad-based gains, led by financials and property stocks. Sentiment improved as the U.S. and China were set to resume trade talks in Stockholm, with reports suggesting a likely three-month extension of their tariff truce. Markets were near their highest in four years, lifted by news about the U.S.–EU trade deal, which set a 15% tariff on most EU goods, half the previously threatened rate. However, gains were capped by caution ahead of Hong Kong's June trade data due later...
Major bourses in Europe were higher on Monday, with the STOXX 50 adding 1.3% and the STOXX 600 gaining 1%, after the US and European Union reached a trade agreement over the weekend, easing transatlantic trade tensions. The deal includes a 15% tariff on European exports, half the 30% initially threatened by the US. Certain goods, such as aircraft components and specific chemicals, will be exempt from tariffs, while duties on automobiles will be reduced to a 15% rate. The agreement also includes provisions for the EU to purchase US energy and boost its investments in the country. The auto...
Japan stocks were lower after the close on Monday, as losses in the Paper & Pulp, Transport and Communication sectors led shares lower. At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 fell 1.05%. The best performers of the session on the Nikkei 225 were Fanuc Corp. (TYO:6954), which rose 5.00% or 211.00 points to trade at 4,431.00 at the close. Meanwhile, Sharp Corp (TYO:6753) added 4.93% or 33.50 points to end at 713.50 and Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd. (TYO:6976) was up 3.85% or 104.50 points to 2,820.00 in late trade. The worst performers of the session were Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd....
The Hang Seng Index opened higher today, gaining 70 points or 0.27%, to reach 25,458. Meanwhile, the China Enterprises Index rose by 22 points or 0.24%, closing at 9,173, and the Hang Seng Tech Index increased by 21 points or 0.37%, settling at 5,699. Technology stocks displayed mixed movements. Tencent remained unchanged, Alibaba rose by 1.2%, Meituan edged up 0.4%, Xiaomi Group dipped slightly by 0.1%, and Kuaishou gained 0.6%. Financial stocks showed general stability. HSBC Holdings recorded no change, AIA Group rose by 0.5%, Ping An Insurance increased by 0.4%, and the Hong Kong...
The Nikkei 225 fell 0.5% to below 41,300 on Monday, while the broader Topix Index slipped 0.15% to 2,948, marking a second consecutive session of losses as investors turned cautious ahead of a busy week for corporate earnings. Major firms set to report this week include Advantest, Keyence, Tokyo Electron, Nintendo, ANA Holdings, and Japan Airlines. Investors also continued to assess the impact of the US-Japan trade deal on Japan's export-reliant economy and industries. Meanwhile, attention shifted to upcoming US-China trade talks, set to begin later today in Stockholm, amid hopes for a...
The S&P 500 rose 0.4% on Friday (July 25), notching its fifth consecutive record close—its longest streak in more than a year—while the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.2% after hitting an intraday high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 208 points as investors digested a wave of trade developments and corporate earnings. Optimism surrounding trade talks contributed to the rally, with President Trump scheduled to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday amid hopes of a US-EU deal. Deals were also reached with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines ahead of the...
European stocks closed mostly lower on Friday (July 25th) as markets continued to monitor the latest corporate earnings reports while awaiting the latest developments in trade relations between the European Union and the US. The STOXX 50 edged higher to 5,360, and the STOXX 600 fell 0.3% to 550, weighed down by the heavier industrial and healthcare sectors. Schneider Electric and Airbus each fell more than 1% ahead of their earnings reports next week, creating negative conditions for industrial giants. Additionally, ASML and Nokia each fell around 1.5%, with Nokia continuing to weaken after...
US stocks were flat to higher on Friday, following record-high closes for both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq the previous day. The three major averages are on track to end the week over 1% higher. Market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic amid hopes that new trade agreements—particularly with the EU—could be finalized before the August 1st deadline, potentially easing tariff rates. Adding to investor relief, President Trump appeared to soften his tone toward Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, helping to ease concerns about the Fed's independence. Health and materials were the top...
Gold (XAU/USD) is extending its decline on Wednesday for a second consecutive day as the US Dollar (USD) and US Treasury yields firm ahead of the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)...
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....