US stocks were flat to higher on Friday, following record-high closes for both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq the previous day. The three major averages are on track to end the week over 1% higher. Market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic amid hopes that new trade agreements—particularly with the EU—could be finalized before the August 1st deadline, potentially easing tariff rates. Adding to investor relief, President Trump appeared to soften his tone toward Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, helping to ease concerns about the Fed's independence. Health and materials were the top...
European markets closed just above the flatline on Monday as a shortened trading week began in the run-up to Christmas. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index provisionally ended the session 0.07% higher, with sectors in mixed territory. Trading is expected to be relatively muted in the run-up to Christmas, with European markets set to be closed, or close early, for Christmas Eve and remain shut on Christmas Day. Overnight, Asia-Pacific markets started the week on a positive note, with investors digesting a press conference relating to the merger of Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan. The...
European markets were mixed on Monday as a shortened trading week begins ahead of Christmas. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index hovered above the flatline during early morning deals, with most sectors and all major bourses in negative territory. Trading is expected to be relatively quiet ahead of Christmas, with European markets set to be closed, or close early, for Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. Overnight, Asia-Pacific markets started the week on a positive note, with investors digesting a press conference related to the merger of Japanese automakers Honda and...
The Hang Seng Index rose 0.8% at 19,883.13 in Hong Kong. The index advanced to the highest closing level since Dec. 13 after the previous session's decrease of 0.2%. China Construction Bank Corp. contributed the most to the index gain, increasing 2.9%. Orient Overseas International Ltd. had the largest increase, rising 6.2%. Today, 63 of 83 shares rose, while 19 fell; all sectors were higher, led by finance stocks. Source : Bloomberg
European markets opened lower on Monday as a holiday-shortened trading week kicks off ahead of Christmas. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 is expected to open 8 points higher at 8,098, Germany's DAX is up 12 points at 19,919, France's CAC is up 7 points at 7,291 and Italy's FTSE MIB is up 76 points at 34,031, according to data from IG. Trading is expected to be relatively quiet ahead of Christmas, with European markets set to be closed, or close early, for Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. Overnight, Asia-Pacific markets started the week on a positive note, with investors awaiting the...
Japanese stocks rose to end six days of declines as automakers and semiconductor-related names gained on a weaker yen. Banks also pushed the market higher as traders weighed the prospect of higher interest rates. The Topix index was up 0.9% at 2,726.74 by the close. The Nikkei gained 1.2% to 39,161.34. Toyota Motor contributed the most to the Topix's gains, rising 2.4%, while peer Honda Motor also advanced. Honda and Nissan Motor are looking to complete a merger agreement as early as June after negotiations began on Monday, and could merge by 2026, Japanese media reported, citing unnamed...