The Dow Jones Industrial Average gave back gains and closed lower on Thursday as investors pocketed some of their profits in what's been a solid week thus far. The 30-stock Dow fell 224.48 points, or 0.51%, closing at 43,968.64.The S&P 500 lost 0.08% and ended at 6,340.00. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.35%, ending at 21,242.70. The major averages saw sharp swings during the session, with the Dow up more than 300 points at its high and off more than 390 points at its low. The blue-chip Dow was weighed down by a 2.5% decline in Caterpillar shares after the construction equipment maker...
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...
Brent rose toward $69 a barrel after a three-day decline, while West Texas Intermediate was near $66 a barrel. President Donald Trump unveiled an agreement with the Philippines setting a 19% tariff and a deal with Japan that sets a 15% rate, fueling a rally in Asian shares and US stock futures. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he will meet his Chinese counterparts for trade talks in Stockholm next week, and will "be working out what is likely an extension" to the current Aug. 12 deadline for negotiations. He also said that the...