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 steadied after its biggest weekly gain in nearly two months as geopolitical risks in Ukraine and the Middle East kept investors on edge. Brent crude traded above $75 a barrel after surging nearly 6% last week, with West Texas Intermediate nearing $71. Russia's war in Ukraine has escalated with both sides using long-range missiles. Meanwhile, Iran said it would increase its nuclear fuel production capacity after being criticized by the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency, as OPEC producers brace for potential sanctions under a second Trump administration. "The IAEA criticism and...
Gold is steady after surging the most in 20 months last week as the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war boosted demand for safe haven assets. Bullion was trading near $2,720 an ounce after surging 6% last week as the conflict entered a dangerous new phase. President Vladimir Putin said his forces may use new missiles again after targeting Ukraine in retaliation for Kyiv's use of American and British-made weapons on Russian territory. Former Ukrainian military chief Gen. Valery Zaluzhny said European countries are not ready for a prolonged military confrontation with Russia. The reason,...
The AUD/USD pair attracted some buyers near 0.6540 during the early Asian session on Monday (11/25). The US Dollar Index (DXY) eased slightly after hitting a fresh two-year high despite strong S&P US Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data. On Monday, the US Chicago Fed National Activity Index for October and the Dallas Fed Manufacturing Business Index for November will be released. Upbeat US November PMIs failed to boost the greenback. Data released by S&P Global showed on Friday that the S&P US Global Composite PMI rose to 55.3 in the flash estimate for November from 54.1 in...