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...
Gold prices fell in Asian trade on Wednesday, remaining under pressure from improved risk appetite after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed plans to impose steep trade tariffs on the European Union. Gold and broader metals were also pressured by a mild recovery in the dollar, which came amid some signs of stability in the Treasury market. But bullion still remained relatively underpinned by uncertainty over U.S. trade and fiscal health, with focus on more U.S. trade deals and the progress of a divisive tax cut bill backed by Trump. Spot gold steadied at $3,301.96 an ounce, while gold...
The GBP/USD pair attracts some sellers to around 1.3480 during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The Greenback strengthens against the Pound Sterling (GBP) on the encouraging economic signs in the United States (US). Data released by the Conference Board on Tuesday showed that the US Consumer Confidence Index rose to 98.0 in May from 86.0 in April (revised from 85.7). The Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will take center stage later on Wednesday. The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of...
The Australian Dollar (AUD) extends its losses against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday for the third successive session. The AUD/USD pair loses ground after the release of the Monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that monthly inflation, in the price of a fixed basket of goods and services acquired by household consumers, steadied at 2.4% year-over-year in April, surpassing the expected 2.3% increase. The AUD/USD pair depreciates as the US Dollar receives support from a dovish tone surrounding the US yields, driven by Japan's indication...
EUR/USD continues its losses for the second successive day, trading around 1.1310 during the Asian hours on Wednesday. The pair depreciates as the US Dollar (USD) draws support and as US yields depreciate following Japan's indication of potential cuts in government debt issuance, which has boosted global bond markets. At the time of writing, the 10- and 30-year yields on US Treasury bonds are standing at 4.46% and 4.97%, respectively. Additionally, the Greenback received support as the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose to 98.0 in May from the previous 86.0...
Gold price (XAU/USD) struggles to capitalize on a modest Asian session uptick and currently trades just below the $3,300 mark, close to the weekly low touched the previous day. Better-than-expected US economic data released on Tuesday calmed recession fears and assisted the US Dollar (USD) in attracting buyers for the second straight day, which, in turn, is seen undermining the commodity. Apart from this, a generally positive risk tone turns out to be another factor acting as a headwind for the safe-haven precious metal. However, the uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump's...