Stocks fell slightly on Tuesday as traders digested the delayed release of the November's jobs report. The S&P 500 fell 0.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite pulled back about 0.2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average hovered around the flatline. November's jobs report came in better than expected, showing an increase of 64,000 jobs for the month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones predicted that nonfarm payrolls would grow by 45,000 in the period. However, the BLS reported that October shed 105,000 jobs. The unemployment rate also increased to 4.6%,...
The Hang Seng tumbled 334 points, or 1.3%, to end at 25,761 on Wednesday, snapping a two-day rise as all sectors fell. Sentiment soured after a private survey showed China's services activity grew the least in five months in November, adding to pressure from deepening financial woes at property giant Vanke. The property sector led losses, down 1.6%, after Fitch placed Vanke on "Rating Watch Negative" and downgraded its subsidiary's notes. Financials, tech, and consumer stocks also retreated amid fading hopes for new stimulus before year-end. Still, the downside was limited by a Reuters...
The Nikkei 225 Index rose 1.14% to close at 49,865 on Wednesday, recouping losses from earlier in the week and following gains on Wall Street amid expectations of further US Federal Reserve rate cuts. Risk appetite also improved as investors weighed the potential for a year-end rally in global equities. At home, caution persisted as markets assessed speculation that the Bank of Japan could raise rates this month. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda said the central bank would consider the pros and cons of a hike and act "as appropriate." Technology stocks led the advance, with strong gains from...
The Nikkei 225 index rose 1.14% to close at 49,865 on Wednesday, recovering losses from earlier in the week and tracking gains on Wall Street. This rise was driven by expectations that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again, boosting investor risk appetite. However, Japanese market participants remained cautious amid speculation that the Bank of Japan could raise interest rates this month. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda stated that the central bank is still weighing the positive and negative impacts before making a decision. The technology sector was the driving force behind the...
Shares in Hong Kong dipped 273 points, or 1.0%, to 25,826 in early Wednesday trade, reversing gains from the prior two sessions amid steep, broad-based losses across sectors. Traders were nervous ahead of key policy events in China, including the annual Central Economic Work Conference and the December Politburo meeting. Fresh private survey data also pressured sentiment, as China's services sector grew the least in five months during November, highlighting weakening economic momentum despite Beijing's efforts to boost activity. An extended decline in mainland markets also added to the...
Asia Pacific stock markets opened quietly on Wednesday morning, with investors awaiting the release of key economic data from the United States and signals on interest rate policy from the Federal Reserve. Major indices moved steadily after several days of volatility, indicating market caution ahead of the US central bank meeting. In Japan, the yen strengthened slightly against the US dollar on speculation of a Bank of Japan interest rate hike. Meanwhile, Tokyo and Hong Kong stock markets opened flat, with investors monitoring global developments and geopolitical situations that continue to...