The Hang Seng rose 174 points or 0.7% to close at 25,562 on Monday, rebounding from losses in the prior session amid broad-based gains, led by financials and property stocks. Sentiment improved as the U.S. and China were set to resume trade talks in Stockholm, with reports suggesting a likely three-month extension of their tariff truce. Markets were near their highest in four years, lifted by news about the U.S.–EU trade deal, which set a 15% tariff on most EU goods, half the previously threatened rate. However, gains were capped by caution ahead of Hong Kong's June trade data due later...
The Federal Reserve kept the funds rate at 4.25%–4.50% for a third consecutive meeting in May 2025, in line with expectations, as officials adopt a wait-and-see approach amid concerns that President Trump's tariffs could drive up inflation and slow economic growth. Policymakers noted that uncertainty about the economic outlook has increased further and that the risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation have risen. The Fed also said that that although swings in net exports have affected the data, recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace....
US stocks were slightly higher on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 adding 0.2%, Nasdaq rising 0.1% and the Dow Jones increasing about 170 points, rebounding after two consecutive sessions of losses. Investor sentiment was lifted by news that official US-China trade talks are set to take place this weekend in Switzerland, with Treasury Secretary Bessent saying the meeting will focus on de-escalation rather than securing a deal. However, it could mark a first step toward resolving trade disputes and reducing tariffs. Meanwhile, traders are eagerly awaiting the FOMC decision later today, with...
The Hang Seng edged up 29 points or 0.1% to finish at 22,692 on Wednesday, aiming for the fifth straight session of gains, mainly helped by strength in property and financial stocks. Investors assessed the PBOC's plan to cut the RRR by 50bps as part of efforts to boost growth and counter trade headwinds. Meanwhile, U.S. futures jumped on bets that the Fed will hold interest rates steady for the third meeting later today, amid easing inflation and a strong labor market. Also in focus, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent and trade chief Greer are set to meet with China's top economic officials in...
European stocks fell on Wednesday, with the STOXX 50 down 0.2% and the STOXX 600 down 0.3%, as investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision later in the day. The central bank is widely expected to keep the federal funds rate unchanged, but all eyes will be on clues about the future path of monetary policy. Meanwhile, traders also digested a fresh batch of corporate earnings, while news that the U.S. and China will hold trade talks this week in Geneva did little to boost investor confidence. On the earnings front, Novo Nordisk shares rose more than 3%...
Japanese stocks were down after the close on Wednesday (07/05), as losses in the Paper & Pulp, Transportation and Communications sectors led shares lower. At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 was down 0.20%. The best performers on the Nikkei 225 were Marubeni Corp. (TYO:8002), which rose 6.39% or 162.00 points to trade at 2,698.00 at the close. Meanwhile, Japan Airlines Co Ltd (TYO:9201) gained 5.25% or 138.00 points to close at 2,767.50 and Sompo Holdings Inc (TYO:8630) gained 4.75% or 215.00 points to 4,745.00 in late trade. The worst performers on the session were Eisai Co., Ltd....