The Hang Seng climbed 226 points or 0.9% to end at 24,733 on Monday, snapping a four-session dip as all sectors gained. Traders looked ahead to developments on the U.S.-China trade truce, set to expire on August 12. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said Washington is optimistic about reaching a deal with China, following recent trade talks in Stockholm. Separately, China's top leaders pledged to support the economy and rein in "disorderly competition" during last week's Politburo meeting. Beijing also confirmed its fourth plenum will be held in October, likely focusing on the next...
The Nikkei 225 fell 0.7% to around 34,500, while the broader Topix Index declined 0.5% to 2,545 on Monday, ending a two-day winning streak as investors turned cautious ahead of updates on US-Japan trade talks. In the latest development, Japan is reportedly considering increasing soybean and rice imports as a concession to the US. Last week, American negotiators raised concerns over barriers in Japan's automotive and rice markets, while also pressing Tokyo to expand imports of meat, fish products, and potatoes. With no major domestic economic data or earnings releases scheduled for Monday,...
Asia-Pacific markets opened mixed Monday as investors awaited China's rate decision at a time when the yuan has come under pressure due to Beijing-Washington trade tensions.Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 0.43% at the start of the day, while the broader Topix index lost 0.35%.In South Korea, the Kospi index increased 0.11% at the open while the small-cap Kosdaq was flat.Investors will be keeping a watch on the People's Bank of China's loan prime rate verdict, expected later in the day.Australian and Hong Kong markets were closed for the Easter holiday.Investors are focused on U.S....
The Nikkei 225 jumped 1.03% to close at 34,730 while the broader Topix index advanced 1.14% to 2,559 on Friday, extending gains from the previous session amid hopes that ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and Japan will lead to tariff concessions. Earlier this week, Japanese Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa told reporters that Trump has said getting a deal with Japan is a "top priority." On the economic front, recent data showed that Japan's headline inflation eased to a four-month low of 3.6% in March, while core inflation rose as expected to 3.2%. Looking ahead, markets are focused on...
The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.2% to above 34,400 while the broader Topix index edged up 0.1% to 2,533 on Friday, extending gains from the previous session amid hopes that ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and Japan will lead to tariff concessions. Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted "great progress" in the negotiations during a meeting in Washington with Japanese Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa. On the economic front, recent data showed that Japan's headline inflation eased to a four-month low of 3.6% in March, while core inflation rose as expected to 3.2%. Looking...
U.S. stocks end a shortened week with mixed performances. For the first time on record, the DJIA drops more than 1% while the S&P 500 rises. The Dow industrials are dragged down by a 22% slide on UnitedHealth Group, after the insurer slashes its outlook. Alcoa falls 7% as it expects tariffs on aluminum to create a $100 million headwind on annual earnings. Eli Lilly gains 14% as its experimental pill to fight diabetes while reducing weight meets pivotal goals. Energy and consumer staples stocks are the top gainers among S&P 500 sectors. DJIA falls 1.3%, to 39142; the S&P 500...