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 Hang Seng rose 36 points or 0.2% to end at 22,008 on Tuesday, mainly helped by strength in tech and financials after a muted prior session. Markets trimmed early gains, amid caution ahead of April's official PMI data in China that will be due Wednesday. Investors continued to await more clarity on U.S. tariff plans and their potential impact on China. Beijing Monday held off on new stimulus but reiterated support for exporters and workers affected by U.S. tariffs and said contingency plans for the economy are in place. Meantime, mainland markets will be closed from May 1 for a 5-day...
European markets were mixed on Tuesday as investors assessed a wave of earnings for signs of how US tariffs and global uncertainty are affecting companies. The Stoxx 50 was down 0.2% while the Stoxx 600 rose 0.2%, though the autos sector slipped 0.4%, led by Volvo Cars, which reported a sharp drop in Q1 profit and suspended its full-year guidance. The Swedish automaker also announced SEK 18 billion ($1.87 billion) in cost cuts. Porsche fell 7.4% after cutting its sales and margin forecasts, citing US tariffs. In banking, HSBC beat Q1 estimates despite year-on-year declines in profit and...
Hong Kong equities rose 123 points or 0.6% to 22,095 in Tuesday's morning session, rebounding from a muted day as a modest rise in U.S. futures lifted sentiment. Gains came as investors awaited more earnings reports following a volatile Wall Street session overnight. China's commitment on Monday to aid exporters and workers impacted by U.S. tariffs continued to boost confidence, complemented by contingency plans aimed at bolstering the broader economy. On the trade front, Hong Kong's exports surged 18.5% yoy in March—the strongest growth in over a year and the highest value in three years—as...
Asia-Pacific markets had a sluggish open as investors awaited the extent of the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on corporate earnings and economic data expected from Wall Street this week. Market watchers were also closely monitoring developments surrounding trade deal negotiations between the U.S. and countries in the region. Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 started the day 0.38% higher. Over in South Korea, the Kospi index was down 0.13% while the small-cap Kosdaq added 0.43%. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 21,999, pointing to a slightly higher...
U.S. stocks ended mixed on Monday as Wall Street braced for a packed week of big-name earnings and key economic data. The S&P 500 rose about 0.1% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.3%, with both indexes posting their fifth straight session of gains, while the Nasdaq 100 fell 0.1%, weighed down by early losses before a late-session rebound in Big Tech. Investors remain focused on upcoming quarterly results from Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms and Microsoft, as well as signs of how President Trump's sweeping tariffs are affecting the company's outlook. While earnings have largely...
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...