Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said on Thursday he continues to believe the U.S. central bank should cut interest rates at the end of this month amid mounting risks to the economy and the strong likelihood that tariff-induced inflation will not drive a persistent rise in price pressures. "It makes sense to cut the FOMC's policy rate by 25 basis points two weeks from now," Waller told a gathering of the Money Marketeers of New York University. "I see the hard and soft data on economic activity and the labor market as consistent: The economy is still growing, but its momentum...
The Hang Seng Index started weakly, down 100 points, or 0.42%, to close at 23,791 points. The H-share index fell 32 points, or 0.37%, to close at 8,622 points, while the technology index dropped 32 points, or 0.61%, to 5,207 points. Tech shares showed a general weakening trend with Tencent down 0.5%, Alibaba 0.8%, Meituan 1.3%, Xiaomi unchanged, and Kuaishou down 0.3%. Financial shares were on a downward trajectory with HSBC Holdings down 0.4%, AIA Group 0.2%, China Ping An unchanged, and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges and Clearing down 1.1%.(alg) Source: Dimsumdaily Hong Kong
The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.9% to above 38,000 while the broader Topix index gained 0.8% to 2,778 on Monday, reversing losses from the previous session as investors appeared to downplay rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Clashes between Israel and Iran continued over the weekend, with both sides targeting energy infrastructure and pushing up oil prices. Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway for global oil shipments, adding to market uncertainty. Despite the global tensions, domestic focus is turning to the Bank of Japan's upcoming policy...
Asia-Pacific markets rose on Monday as investors assessed escalating Israel-Iran tensions, while awaiting a batch of data from China. Oil prices surged as Israel and Iran traded barbs, while gold prices rose, as investors sought refuge in the safe-haven metal as equity markets slumped globally. The barbs continued over the weekend. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.87%, while the broader Topix index gained 0.92%. In South Korea, the Kospi index rose 0.55%, while the small-cap Kosdaq gained 0.31%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.24% in early trade. Investors will keep a close eye on...
The STOXX 50 dropped 1.4% and the STOXX 600 declined 1% on Friday, with both indexes closing nearly one-month lows, as rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East triggered a broad flight to safety. Israel's launched a wave of strikes against Iran targeting nuclear infrastructure and military facilities, killing two top Iranian commanders. Israel has warned of further action, while Iran has vowed retaliation and has already deployed drones toward Israeli territory. The auto sector was among the worst performers, namely Stellantis (-3.4%), Ferrari (-2.8%), Mercedes-Benz (-1.6%), and BMW...
Wall Street's main indexes fell on Friday after Israel's deadly strike on Iranian nuclear facilities inflamed tensions in the oil-rich Middle East and battered risk sentiment across global markets. Israel has warned that the widescale strikes were the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Iran has promised a harsh response. Oil prices surged nearly 7% on fears the conflict could disrupt crude supply from the Middle East. U.S. energy stocks rose in tandem, with Exxon (NYSE:XOM) up 1.7%. Airline stocks dropped as fuel costs could surge if supply...
According to a statement by the Federal Reserve (Fed), Fed Chair Jerome Powell met with United States (US) President Donald Trump on Thursday, where the head of the Fed reiterated that the Fed's...
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintained its cash rate at 4.1% during its April meeting, holding borrowing costs unchanged after slashing 25 bps in the February meeting, aligning with market...