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...
The US dollar index held steady around 99 on Wednesday, trading in a narrow range this week as investors remained cautious ahead of the latest Consumer Price Index report, which could offer insight into the economic impact of recent tariffs. Markets are also closely watching developments in US–China trade talks. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said both countries have reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus and follow through on commitments made during a recent presidential call. He also expressed optimism that China will lift its restrictions on rare earth exports,...
Gold edges higher in the early Asian session as traders nervously eye U.S.-China trade talks. "Hopes for a resolution between the world's two largest economies could potentially ease global trade disruptions," Pepperstone's Quasar Elizundia says in an email. "Further progress or a potential deal could be bearish for gold, which had previously benefited from geopolitical tensions," the research strategist adds. The negotiations have been "productive," U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said as he headed back to the U.S. for planned testimony to Congress on Wednesday. Spot gold is 0.1% higher...
Oil was little changed, as traders digested an initial agreement between the US and China to improve trade relations following talks in London. West Texas Intermediate held near $65 a barrel, after losing 0.5% on Tuesday, while Brent settled above $66. Washington and Beijing reached a framework deal, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, with implementation subject to presidential approvals. The sides agreed to implement a consensus reached in Geneva in earlier talks, a Chinese official said. Crude has dropped this year as the Trump administration's aggressive trade...
Gold price clings to modest gains on Tuesday after bouncing off a daily low near the $3,300 figure as talks between the United States (US) and China appear to be progressing well, improving risk appetite among investors who are driving US equities higher. The XAU/USD trades at $3,328, up 0.10%. The market mood remains positive, fueled by the reunion between US and Chinese officials in London. Meanwhile, price action in the financial markets remains choppy as traders await the release of the latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for May. Estimates suggest that prices most likely rose,...
Gold prices are trading firm against the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday, with the precious metal trading near the $3,350 resistance level at the time of writing. Ongoing trade talks between the United States and China continue to influence global risk sentiment, helping to stabilize the US Dollar (USD). As US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick continue discussions with China's Vice Premier He Lifeng for the second day in London, markets remain focused on trade-related developments. Ahead of Tuesday's meeting,...