US consumer sentiment fell to 58.6 in August from 61.7—the first decline since April. The University of Michigan survey was conducted July 29–August 11, with tariff concerns again weighing on confidence. Full-year inflation expectations rose to 4.9%, while the 5–10-year forecast was 3.9%. Both were worse than economists' forecasts. Job concerns also increased: 62% of respondents predicted unemployment would rise. 58% planned to cut back on spending (cars, household goods, dining out), and durable goods purchasing conditions fell to their lowest in a year. Meanwhile, retail sales continued...
The Nikkei 225 Index surged 1.13% to 36,452, while the broader Topix Index rose 0.46% to 2,679 on Thursday, with Japanese equities hitting a one-month high after the Bank of Japan kept its policy rate unchanged at 0.5%, as expected. Investor sentiment was further boosted by a dovish tilt in the BOJ's outlook, as the central bank cut its growth and inflation forecasts, signaling a lower likelihood of near-term rate hikes. The BOJ now projects GDP growth of 0.5% in 2025, down from 1% in its January forecast. Markets also welcomed renewed optimism over US-Japan trade talks, after President...
The Nikkei 225 Index climbed 0.5% on Thursday to surpass 36,200, reaching a one-month high as investors looked ahead to the Bank of Japan's latest monetary policy decision. The central bank is widely expected to keep its policy rate steady at 0.5%, as it assesses the possible effects of newly imposed US tariffs on Japan's export-reliant economy. Japanese shares also took cues from a positive lead on Wall Street , where investors brushed aside recession concerns after the US economy unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter. Adding to market optimism, hopes for progress in US-Japan trade...
The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.5% on Thursday to surpass 36,200, hitting a one-month high as investors awaited the Bank of Japan's latest monetary policy decision. The central bank is widely expected to keep its policy interest rate unchanged at 0.5%, as it assesses the likely impact of new U.S. tariffs on Japan's export-dependent economy. Japanese stocks also took cues from the upbeat outlook on Wall Street, where investors brushed aside recession fears after the U.S. economy unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter. Adding to market optimism, hopes for progress in U.S.-Japan trade talks...
The S&P 500 and Dow reversed early losses, rising 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively, to extend their winning streak to seven days, while the Nasdaq closed 0.1% lower. Investors shrugged off recession fears despite data showing the first quarterly economic contraction in three years. The U.S. economy shrank 0.3% in the first quarter, missing expectations as businesses rushed to import goods before Trump's tariffs took effect, while consumer spending rose a stronger-than-expected 0.7% in March, weak hiring and reduced government spending highlighting the growing economic headwinds. Among stocks,...
European stocks closed mixed on Wednesday, with the Stoxx 50 down 0.5% while the Stoxx 600 gained 0.5% for a seventh straight session, as investors digested a wave of earnings and downbeat U.S. economic data. Despite early losses, gains in health care and banking helped the market recover. Autos fell 1.2%, as weak earnings overshadowed President Trump's order to ease some auto tariffs. Health care stocks rose 1.3%, with GSK, AstraZeneca and Smith+Nephew saying they were prepared for the impact of tariffs. UBS beat expectations with earnings of $1.692 billion, while Barclays also beat...
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.
It...
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...
President Donald Trump said he would set levies on semiconductors in the coming two weeks, the latest indication he's readying a substantial expansion of his tariff regime.
"I'll be...