Most Asian stocks declined following Wall Street's losses due to concerns over U.S. interest rates and tech sector weakness, though Chinese stocks gained on optimism about stimulus measures and AI investments, with mixed performances across the region influenced by inflation data and trade tensions.
The next phase of altcoin season depends on China's potential stimulus measures and investor reactions to recession fears, with global liquidity and risk appetite playing crucial roles in market dynamics.
Asian stocks fell on Thursday amid uncertainty over U.S. interest rate cuts and anticipation of further stimulus measures from China. Despite positive earnings from Tencent, Chinese markets declined due to underwhelming fiscal measures from Beijing. The U.S. inflation data met expectations but remained sticky, complicating the Federal Reserve's rate outlook. Meanwhile, Australian stocks rose slightly after the RBA indicated steady rates, while broader Asian markets struggled for direction amid concerns over the U.S. economic outlook and potential inflationary policies under Trump.
Asian stocks fell on Wednesday as the post-election rally in the U.S. cooled and investors awaited key U.S. inflation data. Concerns over the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on Sino-U.S. relations and global trade, along with underwhelming fiscal measures from China, added to market pressures. U.S. stock futures also declined following a negative Wall Street session. The focus is now on U.S. CPI data, with the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates also influencing market sentiment.
Asian stocks traded flat-to-low as the initial rally from Donald Trump's 2024 U.S. election victory cooled, with attention shifting to potential Chinese stimulus measures and an upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. Chinese stocks showed resilience despite potential trade tariffs, while Japanese stocks were buoyed by a weaker yen. The focus remains on China's National People's Congress for fiscal stimulus cues, and the Fed's meeting for interest rate guidance.
Asian stocks traded in a narrow range on Tuesday as investors awaited key inflation data and were cautious due to the U.S. Memorial Day holiday. Chinese tech stocks gained on new stimulus measures, but broader markets remained subdued. Hong Kong's index rose 0.9%, while other regional markets saw minimal movement. Key inflation readings from the U.S. and eurozone later this week are expected to influence market sentiment.
Most Asian stocks rose as Chinese markets extended a rebound on news of more monetary stimulus measures, while Japanese shares lagged due to mixed cues from the Bank of Japan. Chinese stocks led gains after a cut in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for local banks, signaling more liquidity to be injected into the economy. Hong Kong's gains were stymied by losses in electric vehicle stocks following disappointing fourth-quarter earnings from Tesla. Bigger gains outside China were restrained by caution ahead of U.S. data and the Federal Reserve meeting, while Japan saw more profit-taking after the Bank of Japan signaled a potential pivot away from its ultra-dovish policy.
Asian stocks surged as weak US inflation data raised hopes of no more interest rate hikes, while China's central bank injected 600 billion yuan ($82.7 billion) to boost liquidity and encourage lending. Technology stocks led the gains, tracking their US counterparts. Hong Kong's stock index was the best performer, benefiting from strength in heavyweight tech stocks. The People's Bank of China's liquidity injection was accompanied by data showing resilience in the Chinese economy, although some indicators still showed weakness. Japanese shares also rallied despite weaker-than-expected GDP, as it increased hopes for further supportive measures from the Bank of Japan.
Asian stocks rose as traders reduced bets on Federal Reserve rate hikes and anticipated further stimulus from China. Hong Kong and mainland shares rallied, led by tech stocks, following reports that China is considering raising its budget deficit to boost the economy. Fed Bank of San Francisco President Mary Daly's comments on tighter financial conditions raised hopes that interest rate hikes may be on hold. Investors are awaiting the release of the Fed's September meeting minutes for any hints on future rate hikes. Geopolitical tensions and the quarterly earnings season are also being closely monitored.
Oil prices continue to rise, with WTI Crude trading above $91 per barrel and Brent Crude above $94 per barrel. Falling global inventories, OPEC+ production cuts, and China's stimulus measures have supported the market. The growing imbalance between demand and supply, along with positive economic data from the US and China, have boosted the short-term demand outlook for oil. Portfolio managers have increased their bullish bets on crude oil in response to the extended supply cuts. However, a fresh catalyst may be needed to push oil prices to triple digits.
European stock markets rose as investors assessed the European Central Bank's decision to hike interest rates by 25 basis points, reaching a record level of 4%. The basic resources sector saw gains after China's central bank announced a cut in the reserve requirement ratio for most banks, aiming to boost its economy. However, the autos sector fell amid concerns over an EU probe into Chinese electric vehicle subsidies and the possibility of retaliatory action. Meanwhile, U.S. stocks opened higher, and the U.S. consumer price index rose 3.7% from a year ago.
Asian shares rose as investors anticipated an end to rate hikes by the Federal Reserve and hoped for economic stimulus from China to boost growth. Market focus is on U.S. inflation data due on Wednesday, which could provide insight into the interest rate outlook. European markets are expected to open higher. Chinese producer prices declined more than expected, indicating a slowdown in the country's post-COVID rebound. Chinese regulators extended policies to support the real estate sector, but analysts believe additional measures may be necessary. U.S. stocks ended higher, supported by comments from Fed officials suggesting the end of the tightening cycle. S&P 500 company earnings are set to begin this week. The dollar weakened, while the yen strengthened. Oil prices rose, and gold was slightly higher.
Asian stocks surged as investors bet on the Federal Reserve nearing the end of its rate hike cycle for the year and anticipated more stimulus measures from China. Weak economic data from China increased expectations of additional stimulus, while comments from Fed officials suggested limited room for further rate hikes. Asian technology stocks, including Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent, rallied on hopes of a Fed pause and easing Chinese regulatory scrutiny. Chinese real estate stocks also rose after the People's Bank of China extended policy support for the sector. Broader Asian markets were positive, with focus now shifting to key US data and upcoming Fed speakers.
Asian stocks paused their rally as investors await China's rate decision and Powell's testimonies for clues on the path ahead. Japan's Nikkei slipped 0.4%, while MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.6%. China's blue chips slipped 0.5% while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index eased 0.6%. The People's Bank of China is widely expected to cut its benchmark loan prime interest rates on Tuesday, following a similar reduction in medium-term policy loans last week. The Bank of England also meets on Thursday when it is set to raise interest rates by a quarter point to a 15-year high of 4.75%. Oil prices tumbled more than 1% on Monday.
US stock futures are expected to open flat on Friday as investors focus on economic data for clues on the Federal Reserve's rate-hike campaign. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment report is due later today. Meanwhile, global equities are rising to their highest levels in 14 months, buoyed by hopes for more Chinese stimulus and an end to Fed rate hikes. Virgin Galactic's stock rose as much as 42% in pre-market trade on Friday after the company announced plans to begin commercial space operations later this month.