The Nikkei 225 rose 1% to around 40,200, while the broader Topix Index gained 0.9% to 2,860 in post-holiday trading on Tuesday, extending last week's gains as investors digested the weekend's election outcome. Although Japan's ruling coalition lost its majority in the upper house, the result was largely anticipated by markets. Importantly, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to remain in office, easing fears of political instability or a sudden resignation. Ishiba reaffirmed his commitment to stay on, citing the need to manage ongoing tariff negotiations with the US and other key...
Wall Street's major indexes opened weak on Wednesday, as investors digested weaker-than-expected jobs data and assessed a report that President-elect Donald Trump is considering declaring a national economic emergency. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI), rose 13.7 points, or 0.03%, at the open to 42,542.1. The S&P 500 (.SPX), gained 1.6 points, or 0.03%, to 5,910.66, while the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC), fell 20.3 points, or 0.10%, to 19,469.365. Source: Reuters
The Hang Seng plunged 168 points, or 0.9%, to close at 19,280 on Wednesday, falling for a third straight session and hitting a six-week low as losses spread across sectors. Risk-off sentiment prevailed as traders grappled with uncertainty over U.S. interest rates and policy under incoming President Trump. Caution also persisted ahead of China's March National People's Congress, with investors expecting limited policy action for the time being. Meanwhile, Chinese officials criticized Washington's decision this week to blacklist several Chinese technology companies over alleged military...
European markets opened slightly higher on Wednesday as traders assessed the region's economic outlook. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index opened 0.1% higher with most sectors in positive territory, with financial services stocks up nearly 1%. The worst-performing sector was autos. Traders will be watching data on European consumer confidence and economic sentiment. On the earnings front, Shell will release its fourth-quarter update. European markets closed higher on Tuesday as investors in the region digested the latest inflation data showing euro zone consumer prices rose to 2.4% in...
Japanese stocks fell after the close on Wednesday, as losses in the Electric Power, Transportation Equipment and Warehousing sectors led shares lower. At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 was down 0.27%. The best performer on the Nikkei 225 was Rakuten Inc (TYO:4755), which rose 5.73% or 49.90 points to trade at 920.10 at the close. Meanwhile, Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co. (TYO:5706) rose 4.29% or 199.00 points to close at 4,835.00 and Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (TYO:5801) gained 3.90% or 274.00 points to 7,302.00 in late trade. The worst performer on the session was Tokio Marine...
Japan's 10-year government bond yield surged above 1.17% on Wednesday, reaching its highest level since May 2011, mirroring the rise in US Treasury yields as strong US economic data reduced expectations for further Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Domestically, investors are preparing for the Bank of Japan's branch managers' meeting this week and Deputy Governor Himino's speech next week, both of which are expected to provide further guidance on the rates outlook. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda recently reiterated that any policy adjustments will depend on economic, price, and financial...