Hong Kong

Investors awaited Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss Ukraine and U.S. Retail data, which could provide clues about the health of the largest economy on earth. Early trading in Europe saw the MSCI All Country World Index consolidate recent gains. The MSCI All Country World Index was up by 0.2% last at 953.54, which is just below the record of 954.21 that was set on Wednesday. Wall Street Futures are broadly flat. The White House announced that the Trump-Putin summit will be held at 11:00 Alaska time (1900 GMT), despite the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. President's...

Investors paused the global stock rally on Thursday as they awaited the release of data from the U.S. Producer Prices later that day, which may reveal how tariffs impact inflation trends. MSCI's global stock index flattened, after reaching all-time highs for the previous two sessions. An equivalent measure of Asian stocks outside Japan was near its highest level since September 2021. Futures markets indicated that Wall Street stocks would have a quiet start after leading global shares to record highs all week. They also hit records on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The global rally is fueled by the strong U.S....

The global equities market rose on Friday, as investors held on to the belief that U.S. rates could fall even further this year. European shares posted their largest weekly gain in twelve weeks due to a strong performance by banking stocks. U.S. Gold Futures reached a record-high due to uncertainty about whether U.S. Import Tariffs will apply to the most common sizes of gold bars. Investors were looking for signs of an upcoming ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine after hearing that the United States was working with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. The expectation of a possible truce...

Global shares rose Friday, as investors held on to the belief that U.S. rates could fall even further this year. U.S. Gold futures also hit a new record high due to uncertainty about whether U.S. import duties would be applied to the most common sizes of gold bar. Reportage The news that the U.S. is planning a truce with Russia sent global benchmark oil prices to a new session low of $1 per barrel. The economic outlook was impacted by tariffs, which added pressure to crude. Dollar was headed for a loss of 1% per week after U.S. president Donald...

The dollar and global shares both rose on Friday as investors held on to the belief that U.S. interest rates could fall even further this year. Gold futures also rallied following reports of tariffs on U.S. imports, which are mainly made up of Swiss bullion bars. The world stock index traded at record highs on Friday, despite overnight weakness on Wall Street. In Europe, the shares were boosted by a series of strong earnings and optimism about the negotiation of U.S. tariffs. A series of changes in leadership at the Federal Reserve have further cast doubt on the outlook for...

Asian markets recovered unevenly on Friday. Japan's largest stock index hit a new record high, boosted by strong corporate earnings. Tariffs on goods imported from the country The declines in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Australia were a sign of fragile investor confidence following the Wall Street retreat, as traders assessed the impact that the appointments at the U.S. Federal Reserve would have on the policy direction. The Nikkei index rose by 2%, while the Topix index gained more than 1%. Both reached new records and traded above 3,000 dollars for the first. SoftBank Group shares rose as high as...

The dollar was unable to gain any ground on Wednesday due to growing Federal Reserve expectations of rate cuts. Investors were looking at weak U.S. economic data and warnings from corporations about the impact of tariffs. The EUROSTOXX futures are up 0.5%, indicating that European stocks will open higher. Novo Nordisk, a maker of wegovy, reported a second-quarter growth in sales of 18%. This was below the initial expectations by analysts. Nasdaq and S&P futures both rose 0.4% after a dip. After the bell, shares of AI chip maker Advanced Micro Devices fell 6.6% on disappointing data center revenue. Analysts...

The dollar was weighed down by lower bond yields, as well as weak U.S. economic data, on Wednesday. Data released on Tuesday showed that the U.S. service sector activity was flat in July. Input costs and employment have risen by nearly three times in the last year, highlighting the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. The second-quarter results revealed the impact of Trump's tariffs. Taco Bell's parent company Yum Brands missed earnings expectations due to steep trade duties that dent consumer spending. Caterpillar also warned of tariffs costing it up $1.5 billion in the second quarter. The report paints...

Investors raised their bets that the Federal Reserve will act to support the world's biggest economy. Global stocks rose for the second session of the day on Tuesday. U.S. stocks rallied Monday, boosted by generally positive earnings reports. Bets on a Fed rate cut in September increased after Friday's disappointing jobs report. The oil prices fell after OPEC+ increased their output, and gold was hovering near a week-high. Rodrigo Catril is a senior currency strategist with National Australia Bank. He said that there are signs of weakness within the U.S. The STOXX 600 index rose 0.4% to start the day...

Investors raised their bets that the Federal Reserve will act to support the world's biggest economy. Global stocks rose again on Tuesday. U.S. stocks rallied Monday, boosted by generally positive earnings reports. Bets on a Fed rate cut in September increased after Friday's disappointing jobs report. The oil prices fell after OPEC+ increased their output, and gold was hovering near a week-high. Rodrigo Catril is a senior currency strategist with National Australia Bank. He said that there are signs of weakness within the U.S. The STOXX 600 index rose 0.4% to start the day in Europe. This is the second...

U.S. Futures outperformed other markets on Thursday as traders considered a range of economic indicators, including central bank rate decisions and inflation data, in addition to last-minute talks about a trade agreement ahead of U.S. president Donald Trump's deadline of August 1. Next, we will look at the U.S. PCE Inflation data, which is the Federal Reserve's preferred measure. This data will be analyzed for any signs of Trump's policy on inflation. Jerome Powell, the Fed's chair, said that it would be necessary to wait until more data is available before making any further moves. Further information Trump's criticism on...

Asian stocks fell on Thursday, after weaker than expected Chinese data and a drop in copper prices. Investors also weighed the impact of a new trade agreement between South Korea & the U.S. Investors weighed the Federal Reserve's decision to keep rates unchanged and megacap tech companies' strong earnings when determining whether or not to buy the dollar. Nasdaq Futures soared 1.2% after Microsoft and Meta Platforms reported earnings that were better than expected. S&P futures rose 0.8% while the U.S. Dollar held steady following a two-month peak. Tony Sycamore is a market analyst with IG Sydney. He said that...

Rusal announced a net loss for the first half of its financial year on Friday as higher costs, increased interest expenses, and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates weighed down on Rusal's earnings. The Hong Kong listed company, which is the largest aluminum manufacturer outside China, suffered a net loss for the six months ended June 30 from a profit last year of $565 millions. Rusal is under constant pressure from Western sanctions against Russia for the conflict in Ukraine. This has been going on for over three years. Although the company was not sanctioned directly, some Western buyers have avoided...

This week, physical gold demand in major Asian hubs declined as rising prices dampened interest in buying while higher rates encouraged others to sell their holdings. Gold isn't a popular purchase at the current prices. Some investors are selling the gold bars and coins they bought when prices were cheaper, said Ashok Jain of Mumbai's Chenaji Narsinghji. On Friday, gold prices in India were around 102.100 rupees (1,165.45 dollars) per 10 grams after reaching a record-high of 102.191 rupees. Indian dealers have this week offered a discount The discount last week was up to $7. A Mumbai-based dealer of bullion...

Panama's president Jose Raul Mulino stated on Thursday that public-private partnerships may take over two important ports near the Panama Canal if a court invalidates CK Hutchison's contract to operate them. CK Hutchison owns 90% of the local Panama Ports Company. This company had a 25 year concession to operate Balboa Port and Cristobal Port, which are located at the ends of the Canal. The concession was renewed in 2021. The contract is at the heart of a dispute after U.S. president Donald Trump threatened this year to take control of the waterway because China has influence over Panama's marine...

In their most recent earnings reports, some of the top technology firms in the world, such as U.S.-based Alphabet and South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix, as well Indian IT services provider Infosys have given upbeat guidance, despite an uncertain U.S. Trade Policy. The erratic U.S. Trade Action has overshadowed corporate operations, upending supply chains and leaving firms to navigate fluid Tariffs. This is on top of other economic uncertainties like regulatory changes and currency fluctuations. Alphabet, SK Hynix, and Infosys, all of which reported earnings above market expectations, predicted brighter times to come. Alphabet and SK Hynix have both announced...

In their most recent earnings reports, some of the top technology firms in the world, such as U.S.-based Alphabet and South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix, as well Indian IT services provider Infosys have given upbeat guidance, despite an uncertain U.S. Trade Policy. The erratic U.S. Trade Action has overshadowed corporate operations, upending supply chains and leaving firms to navigate fluctuating tariffs. This is on top of other economic uncertainties like regulatory changes and currency fluctuations. Alphabet, SK Hynix, and Infosys, all of which reported earnings above market expectations, predicted a brighter future. Alphabet and SK Hynix have both announced plans...

The demand for physical gold was sluggish across the major Asian markets this week as volatility in prices weighed on sentiment. Premiums in China remained firm, while discounts in India were narrowing. Dealers in the top consumer China have charged premiums between $10 and $25 per ounce above the global benchmark spot rate, compared to premiums between $4.2-$33 from last week. On Wednesday, spot gold dropped to its lowest levels in more than a week, dropping below the $3300 mark. It then recovered to trade at $3335 by 0520 GMT Friday. In recent days, U.S. president Donald Trump has expanded...

Daily LME data revealed that the London Metal Exchange’s new warehouses located in Hong Kong had attracted 100 tons of copper. The copper was stored without a warrant or title documents confirming ownership. This location is expected to be operational in mid-July. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing's LME approved Hong Kong in January for warehouse delivery as the LME sees Hong Kong as an entry point to China, the world's largest metals consumer. The LME stated that "the arrival of metal into LME-approved storage facilities shows that listing Hong Kong as an option for delivery is attractive to metal market...

Official data released by the People's Bank of China on Monday showed that China's central banks added gold to their reserves for the eighth consecutive month. China's gold reserves increased to 73.90 millions fine troy ounces by the end June from 73.83 at the end May. China's gold reserves increased to $242.93 Billion at the end last month from $241.99 Billion at the end May, according to central bank data released on Monday. Carsten Menke is an analyst with Julius Baer. He said, "We expect the PBOC will remain a consistent buyer over the next few year, motivated by their...

The demand for gold in India has decreased due to lower imports. Indian dealers are offering a discount This week, the official domestic prices will be discounted by up to $14 per ounce, including 6% import duties and 3% sales taxes, compared to last week's up to $18 discount. A Mumbai-based dealer of gold bullion with a private banking firm said that despite a weak demand for jewellery, the low imports of gold in May and early June have led to lower discounts. The price of gold in India was around 97.100 rupees for 10 grams, after reaching a record...

Chinese and Hong Kong shares edged up on Monday, with rare earths and technology sectors leading the way, as investors awaited U.S. China trade negotiations at a high level in London. Investors are cautiously optimistic as world's largest economies try to resolve their trade dispute. China is struggling with slow exports, deflation and eroding consumer confidence. The first meeting of the economic and trade consultative mechanism between the United States and China will be held by U.S. Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent and Commerce Sec. Howard Lutnick, along with Trade Rep Jamieson Greer. The Shanghai Composite Index and China's blue chip...

China and Hong Kong shares edged up on Monday as rare-earths and technology sectors led gains, while investors awaited high-level U.S. China trade negotiations to be held in London. At midday, both the Shanghai Composite Index and China's blue chip CSI300 Index gained 0.2%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index advanced by more than 1%, and it reclaimed its key level of 24,000 for the first time since March 21, 2015. During the morning session of trading, the yuan was unable to find a direction and traded last at 7,1872 dollars. The mood was positive, but cautious. U.S. officials and Chinese...

The gold discounts in India reached their highest level in over a month this week, due to a rise in prices that were near record highs. Meanwhile, the rising rates in other major Asian cities also dampened demand. On Friday, domestic gold prices traded at around 98.300 rupees for 10 grams, having rebounded from a monthly low of 90.890 rupees and approaching the all-time record of 99.358 rupees. Indian dealers were forced to offer discounts due to the price spike Up to $56 per ounce less than official domestic prices. This includes a 6% duty on imports and a 3%...