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 rallied in early trading, driven by a weaker yen and signs of a still-solid US economy. This increased buying interest in export-oriented stocks and sectors sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. The weaker yen makes Japanese exporters' earnings potentially more competitive when converted back into domestic currency. The USD/JPY pair was at 156.89, up from 156.57 at the close of the Tokyo stock market on Thursday. Automotive stocks were the main driver of the rally, as a weaker yen generally benefits vehicle manufacturers. Honda Motor was recorded as having gained around...
Japanese stocks closed lower on Thursday after the latest data showed real wages fell in November 2025 at the fastest pace since January, mainly due to a drop in one-time bonus payments. Market sentiment was also weighed down as the weakening wages emphasized household challenges amid persistently high price pressures. The Nikkei 225 index fell 1.6%, or 844.72 points, to 51,117.26. This wage data shows that inflation continues to outpace income growth, adding to the complexity for the Bank of Japan, which plans to continue policy normalization and open up room for interest rate hikes this...
Hong Kong stocks weakened again on Thursday as the Hang Seng remained under broad selling pressure, with most sectors closing lower. Sentiment was weighed down by a sharp dip in US futures and heavy selling in China-focused investment products, pushing investors into a more defensive stance ahead of key economic releases. The Hang Seng hovered around 26,095, down more than 1%, reflecting persistent pressure through the session. Caution also rose ahead of China's December CPI and PPI data due Friday, as deflation risks continue to linger. The uncertainty has kept traders from taking...
Japanese stocks closed lower on Thursday (January 8) after the latest data showed real wages fell in November 2025 at the fastest pace since January, mainly due to a drop in one-time bonus payments. Market sentiment was also depressed as the weakening wages emphasized household challenges amid persistently high price pressures. The Nikkei 225 Index fell 1.6%, or 844.72 points, to 51,117.26. This wage data shows that inflation continues to outpace income growth, adding to the complexity for the Bank of Japan, which plans to continue policy normalization and open up room for interest rate...