Stocks in Hong Kong surged 413 points, or 1.6%, to 26,043 in early trade on the first trading day of 2026, rebounding from losses in the previous session as markets reopened after the New Year break. Sentiment was lifted by a marked rise in U.S. futures, following solid year-end gains on Wall Street in 2025. While U.S. equities underperformed the strong returns of the past two years, annual gains remained resilient despite a global sell-off triggered by tariff announcements in April. All sectors of the Hang Seng Index participated in the rally, led by tech, consumer, and property stocks....
European equities traded at all-time highs on the final day of 2025, setting the stage for their strongest year since 2021, driven by gains in banks and miners. The STOXX 50 rose 0.5% to near a record 5,785 points, while the broader STOXX 600 climbed 0.5% to a fresh peak of 592 points. For the year, the STOXX 50 is on track to finish up around 19%, with the STOXX 600 set for a 17% gain. Banks led the rally with a remarkable 67% surge, followed by strong performance in basic resources, boosted by rising gold, silver, and other metal prices. Utilities also contributed, supported by higher...
US stock futures edged lower on the final trading day of 2025, as markets prepared to close a turbulent year marked by uncertainty over President Trump's tariffs and enthusiasm around AI-driven gains. The S&P 500 and Dow are on track to finish higher for an eighth consecutive month, supported by strong demand for AI stocks that pushed major indexes to record highs. Still, annual gains are set to lag the rallies of the past two years, after Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs triggered a global market sell-off in April and added uncertainty to the Fed's policy outlook. Communication...
The Hang Seng slipped 224 points, or 0.9%, to close early at 25,630 on the final trading day of 2025, as markets closed early ahead of the New Year. The index reversed the prior session's strength as losses spread across all sectors, with tech, consumer, and financial stocks leading the declines. Still, the index posted a second straight annual gain, climbing nearly 28% in 2025. The rally was boosted by a buoyant IPO market in Hong Kong, easing U.S. China trade tensions, and Beijing's pledge to support economic growth through proactive fiscal spending and accommodative monetary...
Japan's Nikkei 225 slipped 0.4% to 50,339 on the final trading session of 2025, weighed down by losses in metals and brokerage stocks. Despite the late pullback, the benchmark index advanced about 26% over the year, marking its third consecutive annual gain, driven largely by strength in chipmakers and construction-related shares. The broader Topix fell 0.5% to 3,409 Tuesday but still closed the year up 22% at a record year-end high, supported by a steady economic recovery, resilient earnings, and easing global trade headwinds, despite concerns over the Bank of Japan's gradual rate hikes....
The Hang Seng Tech Index fell 1% to 5,521, indicating renewed pressure on Hong Kong technology stocks in the latest trading session. This decline reflects a more cautious sentiment towards the technology sector, as the index's movement was dominated by selling in large-cap tech companies, which are typically the main movers. With this weakening, market participants will be watching to see whether the index can hold the 5,500-plus area or whether it opens up room for further correction in the near term. (asd) Source: Newsmaker.id