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 three major averages in the US swung between small gains and losses on Friday, after gaining in the previous three sessions, as traders weigh confusing signals on trade developments and a fresh batch of corporate earnings. There were reports that China was considering suspending its 125% tariff on certain US imports, but Chinese authorities stated that no tariff negotiations were underway. Meanwhile, President Trump said his administration was in discussions with Beijing. Communication services was by far the top performer while energy, materials and health booked the biggest...
The Hang Seng rose 71 points or 0.3% to close at 21,981 on Friday, recovering from the previous session's declines following a strong rally on Wall Street Thursday. Sentiment also improved after PBoC Governor Pan Gongsheng reaffirmed the central bank's commitment to an "appropriately loose" monetary policy to support China's economy. Reports that Beijing may exempt some U.S. goods from its 125% tariffs also lifted the mood, as China weighs the economic toll of the trade war. For the week, the index added 2.7%, its second straight weekly gain, fueled by optimism over Beijing's move to...
The STOXX 50 rose 0.7% and the STOXX 600 gained 0.4% on Friday, marking a fourth consecutive session of gains. Both indexes were on track to end the week up approximately 3.7% and 2.4%, respectively. Investor sentiment was buoyed by easing trade tensions and a more conciliatory tone from the White House. On Thursday, President Trump stated that his administration was in discussions with China, while Bloomberg reported today that Beijing is considering suspending its 125% tariff on certain US imports, citing sources familiar with the matter. Travel and auto stocks were among the top...
Japan stocks were higher after the close on Friday, as gains in the Real Estate, Banking and Textile sectors led shares higher. At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose 1.95%. The best performers of the session on the Nikkei 225 were Nidec Corp (TYO:6594), which rose 12.48% or 278.50 points to trade at 2,510.50 at the close. Meanwhile, JTEKT Corp. (TYO:6473) added 8.86% or 91.50 points to end at 1,124.00 and Fujikura Ltd. (TYO:5803) was up 8.79% or 426.00 points to 5,272.00 in late trade. The worst performers of the session were Hino Motors, Ltd. (TYO:7205), which fell 5.00% or 23.30...
(Hong Kong) The Hang Seng Index opened strong, climbing 170 points or 0.77% to 22,080. Meanwhile, the China Enterprises Index rose 61 points or 0.75% to 8,117, and the Technology Index gained 62 points or 1.24% to reach 5,037. Tech stocks showed broad improvement. Tencent advanced by 1.9%, Alibaba increased by 2.1%, and Kuaishou rose 1.2%. However, Meituan lagged behind, declining by 1.1%. Xiaomi Group and JD.com recorded modest gains of 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively.The auto sector saw mixed performance. NIO surged by 6.2%, leading the pack, while XPeng Motors rose 2.2% and Li Auto gained...
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...