Equities in Hong Kong rose 96 points or 0.4% to 24,9 on Monday morning deals, extending gains from the previous session as traders reacted to the PBoC's decision to keep its one-year and five-year loan prime rates at record lows, in line with expectations. The Hang Seng index reached its highest level since early 2022, lifted by broad-based sector gains and a modest uptick in U.S. futures amid optimism over global trade. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed confidence on Sunday that a deal with the EU could be reached before the August 1 deadline, though talks may continue...
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Tuesday as investors assessed the record gains on Wall Street and the global impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies as his 90-day tariff reprieve is set to expire next week. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that there are "countries that are negotiating in good faith." However, he added that tariffs could still "spring back" to the levels announced on April 2 "if we can't get across the line because they are being recalcitrant." Japan's Nikkei 225 benchmark fell 0.58% after hitting an over 11-month high in its previous...
U.S. stocks rose on Monday as investors looked to close out a volatile first half of 2025 with fresh record highs. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both rose 0.5%, extending their all-time highs, while the Dow gained 207 points, helped by strong performances from Big Tech giants such as Microsoft and Meta, which also hit new peaks. Optimism grew amid signs of progress in trade negotiations, highlighted by Canada's recent decision to scrap its digital services tax targeting U.S. tech companies—an easing of tensions that had rattled markets. Investors remained focused on a July 9 deadline for...
European stocks closed mostly lower on Monday as markets assessed the extent of U.S. tariffs on major trading partners. The STOXX 50 fell 0.4% to 5,305 and the STOXX 200 lost 0.4% to 542. U.S. officials helped make progress on negotiations with key partners such as China and the European Union, while Canada scrapped a planned Digital Services Tax following President Trump's announcement over the weekend that he would halt all trade discussions with Canada. Monday also marked the official start of the U.K.-U.S. trade deal brokered last month. On the data front, inflation in Germany...
European stocks closed mostly lower on Monday as markets assessed the level of US tariffs against major trading partners. The STOXX 50 dropped 0.4% to 5,305 and the STOXX fell 0.4% to 542. US officials said negotiations with major partners such as China and the European Union are making progress, while Canada scrapped its planned Digital Services Tax following President Trump's announcement over the weekend that he would terminate all trade discussions with Canada. Monday also marked the official start of the UK-US trade deal that was brokered last month. On the data front, inflation in...
US stocks were firmly higher on Monday, extending the sharp gains from the previous week as the softer stance on tariffs by the US government allowed markets to focus on signs of multiple rate cuts by the Fed this year. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 advanced around 0.5% each to reach new record highs, while the Dow added over 200 points. White House officials announced that the US and China had formally reached an agreement to prevent the return of tariff exchanges that topped levies at 145%. Additionally, President Trump noted that he is open to extending the July 9th deadline for...