Japanese stock markets opened lower as escalating tensions with China weighed on retail and tourism-related stocks. The Topix index fell 0.8% to 3,333.98, while the Nikkei weakened 0.9% to 49,942.24 at the start of trading in Tokyo. The decline was triggered by China's warning to students seeking to study in Japan of increased risks to their citizens, after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan sparked diplomatic friction. This sentiment immediately hit stocks that rely on tourist arrivals and spending from China. Market analysts said the current Japan-China tensions are...
The Hang Seng Index fell 128 points, or 0.5%, to close at 26,829 on Wednesday, declining for a third straight session as sector-wide weakness gripped the market. The technology index fell 0.6%, tracking Wall Street's losses after Oracle fell on margin concerns. Shares of tech giant Alibaba fell 1.6%, while Baidu (-3.2%), Meituan (-2.3%), and SMIC (-1.8%) posted sharp losses, as US lawmakers reportedly pushed for broader restrictions on chip-making equipment exports to China. Financial and consumer staples stocks also weakened, weighed down by concerns over China's slowing economic recovery,...
The Nikkei 225 index fell 0.45% to 47,735 on Wednesday, retreating from a record high as investors took profits following a rally fueled by expectations of stimulus under PM-elect Sanae Takaichi (the Abenomics line). Weaker wage data also dampened prospects for a BoJ interest rate hike, with real wages falling by -1.4% year-on-year in August, an eighth straight month of decline. The technology sector also followed Wall Street lower after Oracle's plunge rekindled concerns about the sustainability of AI trading. Uncertainty was further compounded by the prolonged US government shutdown....
The Hong Kong stock exchange plunged after a long holiday. The Hang Seng opened down 57 points (26,900), was hit by intense selling to 26,520, and closed down 380 points (-1.41%) at 26,577. The China Enterprise Index ended down 1.5% (9,429), while the Technology Index fell 1.94% (6,422). Tech led the decline: Tencent -1%, Alibaba -2.9%, Meituan -2%, Xiaomi -1%, JD.com -2.7%, Kuaishou -2.9%, and Baidu -5%. The financial sector also slumped: HSBC -1.3%, AIA -0.6%, Ping An -1.6%, and HKEX -1.3%. Main board turnover: HK$40.4 billion. Gold's rally to a new record fueled mixed performance among...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - The Nikkei index moved flat at 47,937.70, as gains in heavy industry and pharmaceutical stocks offset the decline in chip companies. The IHI rose 4.3% and Daiichi Sankyo strengthened 3.5%, while Tokyo Electron fell 1.6% and Advantest weakened 1.2%. The weaker yen also provided support to the market, as it typically benefits exporters. USD/JPY was at 152.25, up sharply from 150.69 at Tuesday's close, thus boosting sentiment for export-related sectors. Investors' focus is now on the details of potential policy steps Sanae Takaichi may take after being elected LDP...
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Wednesday, breaking ranks from Wall Street losses, after the World Bank raised the region's growth forecast Tuesday. That comes after a summer that saw U.S. tariff-led uncertainty rock the global economy. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 was little changed, while the the Topix added 0.62%. Australia's ASX/S&P 200 fell 0.3%. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 27,165, higher than its Tuesday close of 26,957.77. Mainland China and South Korean markets are closed for the holidays. The Bank of Thailand and Reserve Bank of New Zealand are set...