Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Monday, as investors keep a close watch on the People's Bank of China's decision on its 1-year and 5-year loan prime rates for July, as well as the latest developments on the trade front. Trade came into focus once again over the weekend as the White House reiterated its position on tariffs. On Sunday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called Aug. 1 the "hard deadline" for countries to start paying tariffs, though he also added that "nothing stops countries from talking to us after August 1." South Korean markets started the day higher Monday. As of...
Wall Street's main indexes ticked up on Wednesday, as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision, while the Israel-Iran attacks entered the sixth day. Investors will closely monitor Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments to gauge how he plans to combat the risk of rising prices, which remains a dominant concern for the central bank. The Fed is expected to leave rates unchanged at its meeting, scheduled later in the day. Ahead of the monetary policy decision, money market moves show traders are pricing in about 46 basis points of rate cuts by the end of 2025, with a 55%...
Hong Kong stocks declined for a second straight session on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East fueled concerns about potential supply disruptions, while investors awaited signals on new stimulus from the Lujiazui Forum. The Hang Seng Index slipped 269.61 points, or 1.1%, to 23,710.69, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index fell 100.48 points, or 1.2%, to 8,594.19. Markets tracked developments in the Israel-Iran conflict, now in its sixth day of direct exchanges. US President Donald Trump met his national security team in Washington on Tuesday to discuss the situation,...
Both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovered near the flatline on Wednesday, as investors weighed ongoing geopolitical tensions and major central bank decisions. Markets continued to monitor the conflict between Israel and Iran, which is now in its sixth day, with no sign of a ceasefire. Concerns persisted over the potential for escalation and the possibility of greater U.S. involvement, especially after President Trump called for Iran's unconditional surrender. At the same time, traders remained cautious ahead of the Fed's monetary policy decision. While the central bank is widely expected to...
Japanese stocks rose after the close on Wednesday (6/18), as gains in the Real Estate, Banking and Textile sectors boosted shares. At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.87% to hit a fresh 3-month high. The best performer on the Nikkei 225 was Nintendo Co Ltd (TYO:7974), which rose 6.59% or 820.00 points to trade at 13,260.00 at the close. Meanwhile, Taisei Corp. (TYO:1801) rose 5.13% or 411.00 points to end at 8,421.00 and Lasertec Corp (TYO:6920) gained 4.77% or 735.00 points to 16,150.00 in late trade. The worst performers on the session were Nippon Steel Corp (TYO:5401), which...
Hong Kong stocks plunged 267 points, or 1.1%, to 23,713 in early trading on Wednesday (6/18), extending losses for a second day amid a broad-based sector decline. Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran continued to weigh on sentiment, with US President Trump reportedly considering a military strike on Tehran. Market caution also persists ahead of the Fed's interest rate decision later in the day. The central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged for a fourth straight meeting, although geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices could dampen hopes for near-term policy...