China's Rare-Earth Squeeze Raises Tensions with Japan

China's benchmark indexes struggled to rise above the flatline, and China's rare earth minerals shipments to Japan dropped to a one-year low.

Japan's Nikkei 225 Plunged 3%, June's Factory Activities Expanded

Japan's benchmark indexes plunged as much as 3% amid a weakness in semiconductor- and AI-related stocks. Japan's manufacturing activities expanded at a faster pace in June, partly driven by a faster rise in new orders.

China's indexes Closed Down In Lackluster Trading, Knowledge Atlas In Focus

Benchmark indexes in China eased, reflecting market weakness in overnight trading in New York. Knowledge Atlas, the parent company of Zhipu AI, soared after the release of the new AI model.

Japan's Indexes Closed at New Record Highs, Yen Sank Closer to a Four-Decade Low

Japan's indexes closed at new record highs, driven by a rally in domestic semiconductor and equipment firms, which are viewed as key beneficiaries of the ongoing global AI infrastructure investment boom.

PBoC Held Prime Rates Amid Clouded Economic Growth Outlook

The People's Bank of China held loan prime rates steady for the thirteenth month in a row amid a weakening economic growth backdrop and lingering tensions in the Middle East.

Fuel Subsidies Keep Japan's Inflation In Check In May

Japan's overall and core inflation stayed below the target rate of 2% in May as the decline in energy and electricity prices moderated amid the ending of government subsidies.

Japan's Indexes Soared 2% and Four-Decade Low Yen-Level Triggers Intervention Risk

Japan's indexes extended this week's gains and traded at new record highs amid optimism over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Financial services providers and semiconductor equipment makers led gainers.

China Seeks Wider Use of Yuan In International Transactions

China announced new measures to increase the use of yuan in international trade and plans to improve domestic money market liquidity.

Japan's Exports Soared In May and Trade Balance Swung to Deficit

Japan's export growth accelerated in May, but the trade balance swung to a deficit for the first time in four months amid a surge in the cost of imported energy products.

China's Weak Economic Data Kept Market Enthusiasm In Check

China's benchmark indexes struggled to gain traction for the second consecutive session following weak retail sales data and lingering property market woes.

Bank of Japan Lifted Short-Term Policy Rate to a Three-Decade High

The Bank of Japan lifted its short-term policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.0%, a three-decade high, as policymakers struggled to contain the energy shock from fueling broader inflation.

China's Weak Retail Sales and Property Sector Data Confirmed Domestic Imbalances

The lingering weakness in the property market weighed on the overall economy and household demand growth.

Japan's Indexes Soared After the U.S. President Claimed Peace Deal with Iran

Japan's indexes surged 5%, and crude oil prices plunged over optimism that commercial shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could resume as early as next month.

China's indexes Advanced On U.S.-Iran Deal Optimism

China's indexes advanced and participated in an Asia-wide rally following optimism over a possible U.S.-Iran deal.

Japan's Indexes Rebounded Tracking Wall Street Gains, Yen Hovered at Intervention Level

Japan's industrial production inched higher from the previous month in April. Benchmark indexes in Tokyo advanced amid hopes of a longer-lasting peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran.