European stocks closed sharply higher on Wednesday (July 23), halting three previous trading sessions' declines, buoyed by speculation that the US might accept lower tariffs following a new trade deal with Japan. The Eurozone STOXX 50 rose 1.1% to 5,350, and the pan-European STOXX 600 gained 1.1% to 550. President Trump lowered tariffs on Japan to 15% from an initial threat of 25%, despite no reports of substantial progress in trade negotiations between the EU and the US. Progress on auto tariffs with Japan, which has significant exposure to automakers, lifted shares of BMW, Stellantis,...
The STOXX 50 gained 0.6% and the STOXX 600 added 0.3% on Monday, rebounding from early losses, after the WSJ reported that US President will ask federal agencies to study trade with China and America's continental neighbours, but stop short of imposing new tariffs on his first day in office. The news offered some momentarily relief to markets that were expecting some tariffs announced on the Inauguration day. Traders were also awaiting for any insights from Trump's speech and potential executive orders. Attention also shifts to the World Economic Forum kicking off in Davos, Switzerland. On...
The Hang Seng surged 342 points, or 1.8%, to close at 19,926 on Monday, rising for a fifth straight session and hitting its highest level since early 2025. The rally was driven by gains across sectors, boosted by news of a phone call between U.S. President-elect Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss key issues. Elsewhere, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng's meetings with Elon Musk and other U.S. businesses highlighted Beijing's efforts to improve ties ahead of Trump's return to the White House. Meanwhile, TikTok resumed its U.S. operations on Sunday after Trump announced a...
European equity markets are set to open flat on Monday (1/20) as caution prevails ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration. Traders are focused on his promises to raise tariffs, tighten immigration, lower taxes and increase deregulation, which could have significant implications for major economies such as the EU. Investors are also looking ahead to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week, where political and business leaders will meet to discuss key global issues. Meanwhile, there are no major economic or earnings releases scheduled in Europe today. In premarket trading, Euro...
The Nikkei 225 jumped 1.17% to close at 38,902 while the broader Topix index gained 1.19% to 2,711 on Monday (20/1), recovering losses from last week as investors prepared for Donald Trump's inauguration and braced for the impact of his potential policies. Domestic data revealed a surprise 3.4% month-on-month rise in Japanese machinery orders in November, defying market expectations for a 0.4% decline and marking the strongest growth in nine months. Looking ahead, the market is focused on the Bank of Japan's upcoming monetary policy decision, especially after hints from central bank...
Asia-Pacific markets traded mostly higher Monday (20/1), ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration with investors awaiting greater clarity on the policies of the incoming U.S. administration. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.4%. Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 1.38%, while the Topix added 1.37%. South Korea's Kospi traded around the flatline and the Kosdaq slipped 0.16%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 1.19% at the open, while mainland China's CSI 300 inched 0.73% higher as China left its benchmark lending rates unchanged Monday. The People's Bank of China held the 1-year loan prime rate at...