Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei up 1.45%, Shanghai Composite up 0.04%, Hang Seng down 0.57% ASX down 0.09%
- Commodities : Gold at $3347.35 (0.79%), Silver at $36.38 (0.29%), Brent Oil at $67.38 (0.59%), WTI Oil at $65.18 (0.33%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.268, UK 10-year yield at 4.4560, Germany 10-year yield at 2.5615
News & Data:
- (USD) New Home Sales 623K to 694K expected
Markets Update:
Asia-Pacific markets mostly declined on Thursday, as investors assessed the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Iran and its potential impact on regional stability.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.04%, while the Topix gained 0.32%, standing out as exceptions in an otherwise downbeat trading session. South Korea’s Kospi dropped 1.81%, and the tech-heavy Kosdaq fell 2%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.21%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was down 0.72%, and mainland China’s CSI 300 dipped 0.31%.
U.S. futures showed little movement, with S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures all hovering near the flatline, reflecting cautious investor sentiment ahead of further economic signals.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, in his second day of testimony before Congress, maintained a measured stance on inflation and tariffs. He indicated that interest rate cuts may be possible if current inflationary pressures prove temporary but refrained from providing a clear timeline. This cautious tone comes amid ongoing pressure from President Donald Trump for the Fed to ease rates.
Overnight in the U.S., stock markets ended the session mixed. The S&P 500 closed nearly unchanged at 6,092.16, while the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.31% to 19,973.55. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, fell 106.59 points, or 0.25%, closing at 42,982.43.
Upcoming Events:
- 12:30 PM GMT – USD Final GDP q/q
- 12:30 PM GMT – USD Unemployment Claims
