The ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 48 in July 2025 from 49 in June, missing expectations of a rise to 49.5. This figure marked the fifth consecutive month of contraction in the manufacturing sector and was the weakest since October of last year. The largest negative contributions came from declines in supplier deliveries (45.7 vs. 46.7) and employment (43.4 vs. 45.0). On the positive side, production increased (51.4 vs. 50.3), while declines in new orders (47.1 vs. 46.4) and backlogs (46.8 vs. 44.3) eased. Price pressures also eased, with the price index falling to 64.8 from 69.7. Source:...
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...
China's official NBS Manufacturing PMI increased to 49.7 in June 2025 from May's 49.5, matching market expectations while marking the third consecutive month of contraction in factory activity.
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Both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovered around the flatline on Friday, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of further developments in trade talks between US President Trump and Chinese...
The U.S. will levy a 30% tariff on South African exports next week, after Pretoria failed to reach a trade deal before President Donald Trump's deadline. The new rate is part of a broader executive...