Hong Kong stocks edged up 47 points, or 0.2%, at the start of November trading, reaching 25,949. This increase helped the market recover after three consecutive sessions of losses. The gains were primarily driven by financial and property stocks, supported by strengthening US futures after Wall Street posted weekly and monthly gains. Sentiment also improved after the White House announced that China would lift rare earth export controls and end investigations into US semiconductor companies in a new trade deal. Economically, Hong Kong reported 3.8% year-on-year growth in the third quarter,...
The dollar index hovered around 107 on Thursday, struggling to find a clear direction as investors assessed the latest FOMC minutes and ongoing developments in trade policies. The minutes from the Federal Reserve's January meeting highlighted policymakers' focus on the need for more evidence of sustained disinflation, while also warning of inflation risks from potential shifts in trade, immigration, geopolitical disruptions, and strong household spending. The minutes echoed Chair Powell's previous statement that the Fed is in no hurry to cut rates further. In parallel, President Donald Trump...
Gold price retains its bullish bias amid worries about Trump's tariffs and a global trade war.Sliding US bond yields weigh on the USD and lend additional support to the precious metal.The Fed's hawkish outlook could cap the XAU/USD pair amid slightly overbought conditions.Gold price (XAU/USD) attracts fresh buyers during the Asian session on Thursday and remains close to the record high touched the previous day. US President Donald Trump's fresh threat to impose tariffs on imported goods sparks concerns about a global trade war and continues to underpin demand for the safe-haven bullion....
Oil prices edged lower on Thursday after an industry report showed a build in U.S. crude stockpiles and as tariff concerns weighed on sentiment, falling back from gains made in the previous session on worries over supply disruptions in Russia. Brent futures were down 22 cents, or 0.29%, at $75.82 a barrel by 0135 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 30 cents, or 0.42%, to $71.95. The March contract expires on Thursday and the more active April contract eased 0.26% to $71.84. Oil prices held near a one-week high on Wednesday. Besides the higher U.S. inventories, import tariffs...
GBP/USD holds ground after registering losses in the previous two successive days, hovering around 1.2590 during the Asian session on Thursday. However, the pair faces pressure as concerns over tariffs from US President Donald Trump lent support to the US Dollar (USD). Trump has confirmed that a 25% tariff on pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports will take effect in April. Additionally, he reaffirmed that auto tariffs will remain at 25%, further escalating global trade tensions. Market participants are now focused on key US economic data, including weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the CB...
AUD/USD pair extends its decline to around 0.6340 during the early Asian session on Thursday. Fresh US President Donald Trump tariff threats continue to underpin the US Dollar (USD) and weigh on the pair. The strengthening of the Greenback is supported by concerns about escalating trade tensions. Last week, US President Donald Trump ordered his administration to consider imposing reciprocal tariffs on numerous trading partners. Late Tuesday, Trump said that he would likely impose tariffs of around 25% on foreign cars, while semiconductor chips and drugs are set to face higher duties. "So...