The Hang Seng Index reversed its downward trend in Hong Kong on Thursday (February 12th), weakening by around 0.9% to around 27,000 after a strong session earlier. This decline halted the momentum of the short term rally, as investors began to reduce risk in large cap stocks. Among the index's contributors, Tencent was a major drag, with its shares falling by around 2.3%, putting pressure on the technology sector, which has recently been a driving force behind market gains. Weakness in large cap companies like this typically quickly impacts sentiment due to their significant weighting in...
Oil prices rose in Asian trading on Wednesday, lifted by optimism over a new U.S.-Japan trade deal and further supported by data showing a decline in U.S. crude stockpiles. As of 22:07 ET (02:07 GMT), Brent Oil Futures expiring in September rose 0.4% to $68.84 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 0.3% to $65.50 per barrel. Oil prices fell consecutively in the last three sessions amid the U.S.-EU trade conflict, and growing worries around President Donald Trump's August 1 tariff deadline. Japan trade deal lifts global growth outlook President Trump...
The dollar index stabilized around 97.5 on Wednesday, pausing a three-session slide as investors weighed the latest trade developments. President Donald Trump announced a trade agreement with Japan that includes a 15% tariff on Japanese exports to the US. He also said Japan will invest $550 billion into the US and open its markets to key American goods. Adding to the cautious optimism, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled that the current tariff truce with China is likely to be extended ahead of its August 12 expiration. The dollar had come under pressure in recent days amid rising...
The Australian Dollar (AUD) gains ground against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday, extending its winning streak for the fourth successive session. The AUD/USD pair appreciates amid improving market sentiment, driven by the US President Donald Trump's announcement of a major tariff deal with Japan, which includes a 15% tariff on Japanese exports. Additionally, talks between the United States (US) and China are gaining momentum ahead of the August 12 deadline. Westpac reports that its Leading Index continues to reflect weakening momentum. The six-month annualised growth rate in the...
The Japanese yen held its recent advance to around 146.5 per dollar on Wednesday, hovering at a near two-week high following news of a trade agreement between the US and Japan. The deal, announced by President Donald Trump, includes a 15% tariff on Japanese exports to the US. Trump also stated that Japan will invest $550 billion into the US and open its markets to key American goods. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed he had been briefed on the negotiations but offered no details, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the "national interest." Separately, reports suggested Ishiba is...
Gold held a three-day advance, as US President Donald Trump announced a highly-anticipated trade deal with Japan, signaling progress on fraught talks ahead of his Aug. 1 tariff deadline. Bullion traded near $3,430 an ounce — up 2.5% so far this week — as Trump announced it would impose 15% and 19% tariffs on goods from Japan and the Philippines, a strategic geopolitical ally. With several countries racing to secure trade deals, investors are seeking clarity specifically on progress with China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he will meet his Chinese counterparts...