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...
Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed Wednesday as traders parse a slew of key economic data in the region. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.14% while the Topix added 0.5%. South Korea's Kospi slipped 0.2% and the Kosdaq dipped 0.25%. Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 traded flat. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index slid 0.53% while China's CSI 300 traded flat after China's manufacturing activity fell more-than-expected into contractionary territory in April.The Bank of Japan kickstarts its policy meeting on Wednesday, and is widely expected to hold rates at 0.5% when the meeting concludes on...
Japanese shares rose on Wednesday as markets reopened following a one-day holiday. The Nikkei 225 edged up 0.2% to around 35,900, while the broader Topix Index climbed 0.7% to 2,670, extending recent gains. Investor sentiment was buoyed by comments from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the US held "substantial talks" with Japan regarding a potential trade agreement. However, domestic data provided a mixed picture—industrial production declined more than expected in March, and retail sales growth fell short of forecasts. Attention now shifts to the Bank of Japan's upcoming policy...
U.S. stocks closed higher on Tuesday, boosted by reports that a major trade deal is nearing completion and corporate earnings. The S&P 500 rose 0.58%, posting its sixth straight gain and marking its longest winning streak since November. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 300 points, or 0.75%, its best gain since July, while the Nasdaq Composite added 0.55%. Honeywell (+5.4%) and Sherwin-Williams (+4.9%) led the Dow after reporting strong quarterly results. General Motors fell 1.1%, after canceling its share buyback and withdrawing its outlook on possible tariffs while Amazon was...
European markets closed higher on Tuesday after investors pored over a raft of earnings for indications of the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty. The Stoxx 600 index closed 0.4% higher, with utilities and health care leading gains. Regionally, the FTSE 100 closed up 0.6% — its 12th straight day of gains and its best gain in at least five years. France's CAC 40 and Germany's DAX rose 0.1% and 0.8%, respectively. Volvo Cars shares fell 10% after the automaker reported a sharp drop in first-quarter profit and suspended its full-year guidance due to market headwinds....
US stocks were muted on Tuesday as markets assessed the latest earnings and the risks that tariffs and uncertain economic policy may have on corporate returns. The three main averages were close to the flatline. Trade and economic policy uncertainty drove UPS to refrain from giving a full-year outlook, pressuring their shares by 2%. Also, while GM sank 4% after it cancelled its share buyback and pulled its outlook due to the possibility of tariffs. Additionally, Amazon fell by 1% after stating it will list the additional surcharge on its goods due to tariffs, driving White House officials...
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...