Major bourses in Europe were higher on Monday, with the STOXX 50 adding 1.3% and the STOXX 600 gaining 1%, after the US and European Union reached a trade agreement over the weekend, easing transatlantic trade tensions. The deal includes a 15% tariff on European exports, half the 30% initially threatened by the US. Certain goods, such as aircraft components and specific chemicals, will be exempt from tariffs, while duties on automobiles will be reduced to a 15% rate. The agreement also includes provisions for the EU to purchase US energy and boost its investments in the country. The auto...
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....
Hong Kong markets jumped more than 2% to lead gains in Asia-Pacific after China's central bank and financial regulator announced sweeping plans to cut benchmark interest rates in a bid to shore up growth amid trade concerns. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 2.07%. Elsewhere, markets in the region were mostly higher after reports that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and trade representative Jamieson Greer will meet their Chinese counterparts this week. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.22% while the Topix gained 0.38%. South Korea's Kospi gained 0.32% while the small-cap Kosdaq...