Oil prices rose slightly in trading on Tuesday (January 20) after better-than-expected Chinese economic data boosted demand optimism. Brent crude rose 19 cents (0.3%) to $64.13/barrel, while February WTI which expires today rose 25 cents (0.4%) to $59.69/barrel. The more active March WTI contract also edged higher to around $59.42/barrel. This strengthening was driven by news from China, the world's largest oil importer. The Chinese economy reportedly grew 5.0% through 2025, meeting the government's target. Refinery activity also increased, with refinery throughput rising 4.1% and crude oil...
Japanese stocks closed slightly lower on Thursday, as trading resumed after a holiday. Investors remained cautious after a senior Japanese currency official emphasized that the government remains vigilant in monitoring foreign exchange movements, despite the yen's recent strengthening and the dollar's weakening trend. The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.02%, or around 10.7 points, to 57,639.84. The cautious statement came from Atsushi Mimura, a Japanese currency diplomacy official, who said authorities remain "on high alert" and are in constant communication with the US regarding market...
The Hang Seng Index extended its rally for the third consecutive day in the latest trading session in Hong Kong on Wednesday (February 11). The index rose 0.3%, or 83.23 points, to close at 27,266.38, marking its highest closing level since January 30. This consistent increase indicates that risk-on sentiment remains intact, although the strengthening tends to be gradual. In terms of movers, Xiaomi Corp. was the biggest supporter of the index, with its shares surging 4.3%. Xiaomi's rise contributed significantly due to its large weighting in the index and reflected the renewed market...
Japanese stocks have hit record highs again in recent days, driven by political optimism following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's landslide victory and expectations of a more aggressive economic agenda. The Nikkei 225 index broke through new psychological levels, surpassing 56,000, 57,000, and even approaching 58,000 in a rally often referred to by the market as the "Takaichi trade." However, some observers believe this rally is potentially fragile due to the growing gap between surging stock prices and economic fundamentals. On Tuesday, the Nikkei briefly touched 57,960, and the index is...
The Hang Seng continued to strengthen on Tuesday (February 10th), rising 156 points (0.6%) to close at 27,183. This marked a second consecutive day of gains, with most sectors contributing to the market's rise a sign that risk appetite is returning, although it hasn't completely emerged from "cautious" mode. Sentiment boosted by Wall Street, after the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit another record on Monday. The market also began to position itself ahead of a series of crucial US economic data, including the previously delayed payrolls report. Meanwhile, Chinese markets also rallied on...