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 (DXY), which tracks the performance of the US Dollar (USD) against six major currencies, extends the previous day's correction and hovers around 102.30 at the time of writing on Wednesday after testing the 102.00 level in the early Asian session. The tariffs that United States (US) President Donald Trump introduced on Liberation Day are going to take effect this Wednesday. Meanwhile, China and Canada have already vowed to retaliate against these tariffs with countermeasures, increasing fears of a global economic slowdown. On the economic calendar front, some light data...
Silver price (XAG/USD) surges almost 2% to near $30.40 during European trading hours on Wednesday. The white metal strengthens as the US Dollar (USD) tumbles amid fears that the escalating trade war between Washington and Beijing could lead the United States (US) economy into a recession. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback's value against six major currencies, plummets to near 102.00. Financial market participants are concerned that the imposition of 104% duty on imports from China by President Donald Trump for pouring drugs into the US and its retaliation against...
Oil prices fell for a fifth day to their lowest since February 2021 on Wednesday on looming demand concerns fuelled by an escalating tariff war between the U.S. and China, the world's two biggest economies, and a rising supply outlook. Brent futures dropped $1.39, or 2.21%, to $61.43 a barrel as of 0655 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $1.50, or 2.52%, to $58.08. Both contracts lost as much as 4% before paring some losses. Both Brent and WTI have tumbled over the five sessions since U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on most imports sparking concerns...
The Australian Dollar (AUD) halted its three-day losing streak against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday, supported by comments from US President Donald Trump suggesting a willingness to negotiate with trade partners. Trump's remarks boosted optimism for a potential easing of global trade tensions. The AUD faced headwinds as market volatility remains elevated after the US imposed an expected additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports, particularly as Australia maintains strong economic ties with China. Beijing denounced Trump's latest threat as "blackmail" and vowed to safeguard its...
Gold prices climbed nearly 2% on Wednesday as the dollar weakened after U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on China took effect, with most traders flocking to safe-haven bullion for cover as global trade and recession jitters intensified. Spot gold was up 1.9% at $3,038.54 an ounce, as of 0700 GMT. U.S. gold futures rose 2.2% to $3,056.60. Trump ratcheted up duties on Chinese imports to 104% to counter Beijing's retaliatory tariffs, accusing Beijing of manipulating the yuan to offset the levies. China refused to bow to what it called a blackmail, vowing to "fight to the...