Europe's Stoxx 600 index erased earlier gains to close 0.23% lower as investors turned less positive over the details of the U.S.-EU trade deal. Autos was among the worst-performing sectors, down 1.8%, as industry bosses warned that while manufacturers have regained some certainty, they will be left facing substantially higher costs. Brewing giant Heineken dropped 8.45% after reporting lower beer sales in the first half and flagging "softening sentiment in Europe and the Americas." Oil and gas stocks meanwhile finished 1.16% higher on broader optimism over the global trade outlook, and as...
Stocks in Europe declined on Wednesday (19/3), with the STOXX 50 falling 0.4% and the STOXX 600 down 0.3%, snapping a three-session winning streak. Investors weighed Germany's historic constitutional amendment vote, developments on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, ongoing tariff concerns, and key monetary policy updates. In Germany, the Bundestag approved an expected amendment to the debt brake, which will allow increased fiscal spending on infrastructure and defense. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a limited ceasefire halting attacks on Ukraine's energy...
The Hang Seng rose 30 points or 0.12% to close at 24,771 on Wednesday, marking its second day of gains and remaining at its highest level in three years, driven largely by financial stocks. Traders prepared for the US Fed's interest rate decision later in the day. While the central bank is expected to keep borrowing costs, an anticipated press briefing by Chair Powell may offer more insights into the economic outlook. In China, the PBoC is expected to hold key lending rates at record lows in its monthly review Thursday. However, further gains were capped by a caution from BofA Securities,...
European markets are set to open lower on Wednesday, as investors react to historic policy reforms in Germany and developments in the ceasefire in Ukraine, and await a key monetary policy update. London's FTSE 100 is expected to be little changed at the open, according to IG, while France's CAC 40 is forecast to drop 0.2% and Germany's DAX is scheduled to open about 0.5% lower. That comes after German lawmakers voted on Tuesday to reform the country's so-called debt restraint rules, which would allow for greater national spending on defense and authorize the creation of a 500 billion euro...
The Nikkei 225 index fell 0.25% to close at 37,752 on Wednesday, reversing earlier gains after the Bank of Japan kept interest rates unchanged, citing uncertainty over the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on Japan's export-driven economy. While the central bank reiterated expectations for above-potential economic growth, it also acknowledged signs of weakness. The monthly Reuters Tankan survey showed sentiment among Japanese manufacturers turned negative in March due to concerns over U.S. trade policy and slowing economic activity in China. Meanwhile, Japan's trade balance swung to a surplus...
Hong Kong equities rose 30 points or 0.1% to 24,768 in early trading on Wednesday, trying to extend gains for the fourth session, driven mainly by financial stocks. The market held at its highest level in three years as U.S. futures inched higher following a weak Wall Street session, with investors cautiously awaiting the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. In China, the PBoC is anticipated to keep its key lending rates at record lows during Thursday's monthly review. Meanwhile, Beijing's broad initiative to spur consumption and reduce the effects of rising tariffs continued to...