Asian stock markets opened higher on Friday (August 8), marking a fifth consecutive day of gains. The market's performance was supported by Japanese technology stocks, particularly Sony and SoftBank, which surged after reporting strong financial results. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose 0.5%, while the Nikkei 225 jumped 1.3%. US stock futures also edged higher.
Meanwhile, the US dollar weakened for the sixth consecutive day, recording its longest losing streak since March 2024. The yen briefly strengthened before recovering after Japan and the US agreed to end the universal tariff policy and simultaneously cut car duties. This condition added to positive sentiment in Asian markets, which are heading for their best week since June.
Market optimism was also driven by hopes of an interest rate cut by the Fed and improving corporate earnings. However, some analysts warned of the risk of a near-term correction due to already high US stock valuations. Autumn, particularly August and September, is known to be a less favorable period for the S&P 500 index.
On the other hand, economic data showed that US continuing jobless claims rose to their highest level since November 2021. Meanwhile, President Trump announced that he would appoint Stephen Miran as an interim Fed governor and is considering him as a possible replacement for Jerome Powell in May. Miran is expected to support low interest rates, but will not push for a rate cut unless economic data supports it.
Key Points:
Asian markets rise, MSCI Asia Pacific +0.5%, Nikkei +1.3%
Dollar weakens for 6 straight days, longest streak since March 2024
Fed rate cut hopes boost positive sentiment
High valuations and autumn trigger correction concerns on Wall Street
US jobless claims rise, labor market pressures increase
Trump names Stephen Miran as Fed governor nominee.
Source: Newsmaker.id
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