Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Monday , after the U.S.-Russia summit concluded without a ceasefire. Japan's Nikkei 225 benchmark rose 0.62%, while the broader Topix index added 0.42%. In South Korea, the Kospi index fell 1.06%, while the small-cap Kosdaq was down 1.44%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 started the day flat. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 25,214, pointing to a stronger open compared with the HSI's last close of 25,270.07. U.S. equity futures ticked up in early Asia hours on hopes for rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve, which fueled a winning week on...
The U.S. dollar slumped further Friday, falling to an almost two-year low, on weakening confidence in the American economy as the trade war between the two largest economies in the world escalated, with China once more raising the tariffs on U.S. goods. At 04:20 ET (08:20 GMT), the Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six other currencies, dropped 1.2% to 99.430, falling below the 100 level for the first time since July 2023. Dollar slumps to near two-year low U.S. President Donald Trump's pausing of widespread tariffs for 90 days helped the dollar, and global...
Oil prices rise in early trade on a softer U.S. dollar, but are still on course for a weekly loss as traders worry President Trump's trade war with China will weigh on global economic growth. Brent crude is up 1.4% at $64.18 a barrel, while WTI rises 1.4% to $60.93 a barrel. The dollar index--which measures the greenback against a half-dozen currencies--fell below 100, making commodities cheaper for holders of other currencies. Still, the crude benchmarks are poised to drop for a second straight week after Trump said tariffs on China add up to 145%, further raising concerns over a...
Silver rose above $31.20 per ounce on Friday, marking a third consecutive session of gains, as broad-based weakness in the U.S. dollar and renewed economic concerns fueled demand for alternative assets. The metal also benefited from rising haven flows, with the dollar losing some of its traditional safe-haven appeal. Despite a 90-day tariff reprieve, investors remain uneasy about President Trump's trade policies and their potential to tip the U.S. economy into recession. The White House recently confirmed cumulative tariffs on Chinese goods have reached 145%, raising the threat of further...
The Australian Dollar (AUD) loses ground against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday. The AUD/USD pair depreciates as the White House confirmed that the cumulative US tariffs on Chinese goods have risen to 145%. The announcement heightened tensions in the ongoing trade dispute between the world's two largest economies, raising concerns for Australia given its strong trade ties with China. The AUD found support on Thursday from reports that Australia is preparing to resume trade negotiations with the European Union (EU). Moreover, the Wall Street Journal reported that China also held talks with EU...
Gold price is retreating from fresh all-time highs of $3,220 in early Europe on Friday. The US Dollar downward spiral and escalating trade war between the United States and China continue to underpin the safe-haven appeal of Gold price. US PPI inflation data and tariff updates remain on tap. Mounting concerns over the financial stability and the economic situation in the United States (US) have accelerated the selling interest around the US Dollar (USD), pushing Gold price for another ride higher. The US Federal Reserve's (Fed) independence has always been under threat, and on April 9 US...