The Nikkei 225 rose 1% to around 40,200, while the broader Topix Index gained 0.9% to 2,860 in post-holiday trading on Tuesday, extending last week's gains as investors digested the weekend's election outcome. Although Japan's ruling coalition lost its majority in the upper house, the result was largely anticipated by markets. Importantly, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to remain in office, easing fears of political instability or a sudden resignation. Ishiba reaffirmed his commitment to stay on, citing the need to manage ongoing tariff negotiations with the US and other key...
The Hong Kong stock market climbed 248 points or 1.2% to 19,838 in Friday morning trade, partly recovering from a slump of around 2% in the prior session, with gains across most sectors, particularly tech, consumers, and property. However, markets are on track to post a weekly decline, down around 1% so far, due to looming tariff threats from the incoming US administration under Donald Trump. Meanwhile, local data showed that retail sales in Hong Kong fell for the ninth consecutive month in November, shrinking by 8.3% yoy and deepening from October's 4.8% decline. Source : Trading Economics
European markets shifted higher Thursday afternoon, following a mixed start to 2025 trading. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index reversed earlier losses to trade 0.5% higher by 3:50 p.m. London time, as regional bourses reopened after the New Year's Day holiday. Oil and gas stocks led gains, rising 2.3%, while utilities also climbed 1.6%. Banking stocks and autos dipped, however, losing 0.46% and 0.69% respectively, as uncertainty remained over the economic outlook and potential tariffs under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. France's CAC 40 also reversed early losses to gain 0.18%, though...
European markets started 2025 on a cautious note, with the Stoxx 50 down 0.4% and the Stoxx 600 almost flat on Thursday. Gains in oil, gas and mining stocks, up 1.5% and 1.3% respectively, were offset by declines in banking (-0.1%) and media (-0.3%). After solid performances in 2024—up 8.3% for the Stoxx 50 and 6% for the Stoxx 600—investors are now looking for fresh drivers amid ongoing concerns over U.S. tariffs and European political instability. In economic news, Spanish factory activity picked up in December 2024, with the Spanish HCOB Manufacturing PMI rising to 53.3 from 53.1 in...
The Hang Seng plunged 437 points, or 2.2%, to close at 19,623 in the first trading session of 2025, pressured by further selling in mainland markets following sluggish Chinese factory activity in December. The index fell to a near one-month low, with concerns growing over potential tariff hikes by the Trump administration and their broad impact on Chinese exports. Nervous traders anticipated that markets would lack clear direction until the National People's Congress in early March when Beijing is due to announce its growth targets for the new year. Losses were broad, with financials down...
HK50 decreased to a 4-week low of 19563.00 Index Points. Over the past 4 weeks, Hong Kong Stock Market Index (HK50) lost 0.84%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 17.63%. Source: Trading Ecnomics