Global stocks rose with a tech-led rally on Wall Street, while the yen weakened after the Bank of Japan raised interest rates to a three-decade high, prompting potential intervention concerns. The dollar gained against the yen, U.S. bond yields increased, and oil prices rose amid geopolitical tensions and central bank decisions, indicating a cautious but optimistic market sentiment.
The Bank of Japan raised interest rates as expected but provided little guidance on future policy, leading to a broad weakening of the yen, which hit a record low against the euro. Ueda's vague comments and dissenting board members' views contributed to market uncertainty, while other major central banks like the ECB and BoE took different stances on monetary policy. The euro and sterling experienced modest movements amid mixed signals from global monetary authorities.
Bitcoin and ether surged past key levels following the Bank of Japan's rate hike to 2%, the highest since 2006, which, along with softer US inflation data, boosted risk appetite and supported broader market gains. Despite volatile trading and high leverage, the macroeconomic environment has improved sentiment, with Bitcoin's price targeting $143,000 according to Citigroup, though caution remains due to market fragility.
Asian markets experienced a selloff triggered by rising Japanese bond yields and bets on a BOJ rate hike, leading to a significant drop in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, with over $646 million in leveraged liquidations across major exchanges.
Most Asian stocks remained flat amid concerns over U.S. trade tariffs, with Japanese markets dipping following BOJ Governor Ueda's hints at possible rate hikes due to rising inflation. U.S. stock futures rose after Trump delayed EU tariffs, but tensions remain over potential tariffs on smartphones, impacting tech stocks across Asia. Japan's economy shrank in Q1, and regional markets showed mixed responses to economic data and corporate earnings.