Silver prices weakened slightly and are now hovering around US$39–39.40 per ounce, still near their highest levels since 2011. Strengthening bond yields and the US dollar have somewhat curbed the upward trend, but the white metal still posted a year-over-year surge of more than 36%—leading gold's rise of around 31%. The global silver market has recorded a deficit for five consecutive years, and by 2025, a shortfall of approximately 149 million ounces is expected. Mine production has increased slightly, but not enough to offset surging demand. Despite pressure from a strengthening US dollar...
European equity markets are set for a strong start on Monday, boosted by an easing of US-China trade tensions after high-level negotiations over the weekend in Switzerland. US officials announced that a deal had been reached aimed at reducing the trade deficit, while Chinese representatives highlighted a "significant consensus" between the two sides. A joint statement with further details is expected later in the day. Meanwhile, there are no major economic releases in Europe on Monday, with earnings due from Italian banking giant UniCredit. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 futures rose...
Japanese stocks rose after the close on Monday (5/12), as gains in the Real Estate, Banking and Textile sectors helped stocks advance. At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 was up 0.42%. The best performers on the Nikkei 225 were Advantest Corp. (TYO:6857), which rose 9.04% or 605.00 points to trade at 7,300.00 at the close. Meanwhile, Pacific Metals Co., Ltd. (TYO:5541) rose 7.30% or 116.00 points to close at 1,704.00 and Yaskawa Electric Corp. (TYO:6506) gained 6.79% or 205.00 points to 3,226.00 at the close. The worst performers on the session were DeNA Co Ltd (TYO:2432), which fell...
Hong Kong stocks jumped 322 points, or 1.4%, to 23,188 on Monday morning, marking their eighth straight session of gains and hitting a 1-1/2-month high. The rally followed a strong surge in U.S. stock futures amid signs of progress in U.S.-China trade talks over the weekend. Washington has highlighted progress toward a deal while Beijing has confirmed both sides have agreed to start formal negotiations. Investor sentiment was further boosted by easing geopolitical tensions, including a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy's openness to meeting...
The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.2% to 37,600 while the broader Topix index gained 0.4% to 2,744 on Monday, with Japanese shares hitting a six-week high as the U.S. cited "substantial progress" in trade talks with China over the weekend in Switzerland. The U.S. highlighted efforts to reduce its trade deficit, while Chinese leaders confirmed a "significant consensus" had been reached. However, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted that the 10% base tariff on other countries is expected to remain in place "for the foreseeable future." Investors are also keeping an eye on ongoing trade talks...
Asia-Pacific markets rose on Monday on optimism that U.S.-China trade tensions could ease after the two superpowers held talks in Switzerland over the weekend. Both countries touted a positive conclusion to high-stakes trade talks, with U.S. officials touting a deal to reduce their trade deficit, while Chinese leaders said they had reached an "important consensus." U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that the talks resulted in "significant" productivity gains. Meanwhile, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said a joint statement containing "good news for the world" would be released on...