Stocks in the US closed near the flatline on Friday as investors weighed President Trump's push for higher tariffs on the European Union against strong economic data and corporate earnings. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 finished mostly muted near their records, while the Dow Jones dropped 142 points, pressured by a 2.2% decline in American Express shares. Trump reportedly demands a minimum 15-20% tariff in any deal with the EU, which is working to finalize an agreement before his August 1 deadline. On the corporate front, Netflix shares fell 5.1% despite beating revenue and earnings...
Hong Kong stocks declined for a second straight session on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East fueled concerns about potential supply disruptions, while investors awaited signals on new stimulus from the Lujiazui Forum. The Hang Seng Index slipped 269.61 points, or 1.1%, to 23,710.69, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index fell 100.48 points, or 1.2%, to 8,594.19. Markets tracked developments in the Israel-Iran conflict, now in its sixth day of direct exchanges. US President Donald Trump met his national security team in Washington on Tuesday to discuss the situation,...
Both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovered near the flatline on Wednesday, as investors weighed ongoing geopolitical tensions and major central bank decisions. Markets continued to monitor the conflict between Israel and Iran, which is now in its sixth day, with no sign of a ceasefire. Concerns persisted over the potential for escalation and the possibility of greater U.S. involvement, especially after President Trump called for Iran's unconditional surrender. At the same time, traders remained cautious ahead of the Fed's monetary policy decision. While the central bank is widely expected to...
Japanese stocks rose after the close on Wednesday (6/18), as gains in the Real Estate, Banking and Textile sectors boosted shares. At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.87% to hit a fresh 3-month high. The best performer on the Nikkei 225 was Nintendo Co Ltd (TYO:7974), which rose 6.59% or 820.00 points to trade at 13,260.00 at the close. Meanwhile, Taisei Corp. (TYO:1801) rose 5.13% or 411.00 points to end at 8,421.00 and Lasertec Corp (TYO:6920) gained 4.77% or 735.00 points to 16,150.00 in late trade. The worst performers on the session were Nippon Steel Corp (TYO:5401), which...
Hong Kong stocks plunged 267 points, or 1.1%, to 23,713 in early trading on Wednesday (6/18), extending losses for a second day amid a broad-based sector decline. Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran continued to weigh on sentiment, with US President Trump reportedly considering a military strike on Tehran. Market caution also persists ahead of the Fed's interest rate decision later in the day. The central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged for a fourth straight meeting, although geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices could dampen hopes for near-term policy...
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Wednesday, as rising tensions between Israel and Iran weighed on investor sentiment. U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a military strike on Iran, while demanding that the country's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "surrender," current and former U.S. officials told NBC News. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, demanded "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" by Iran. "President Trump's comments have fueled speculation that the U.S. will become more involved in the conflict between Iran and Israel that escalated significantly five days ago," ANZ analysts wrote...