Bank of Japan Holds Rates Steady, Japan's Trade Balance Swings to Surplus

The Bank of Japan held its short-term interest rate steady and cited an uncertain trade outlook for the export-driven economy. Japan's exports rebounded in February as customers front-loaded ahead of a possible increase in trade tariffs.

China and Hong Kong Indexes Meander Ahead of Flood of Earnings

China investors prepared to review a flood of corporate results this week amid high expectations of earnings growth from leading companies including Ping An Insurance, Tencent Holdings, Geely Automotive, Longfor Group, ANTA Sports, and FILA Holdings.

Hang Seng Index Jumps to 3-Year High Amid Policy Support Promises and Positive Economic Data

China markets advanced for the second session in a row this week, and the Hang Seng index jumped to a three-year high amid hopes of easing of tensions between China and the U.S.

Japan Indexes Advance 1% After a Week of Turbulent Trading

Japan's benchmark indexes closed up 1% after a week of tumultuous trading amid escalating global trade tensions. The yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds traded around 1.5%, the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis.

Bargain Hunters Lift China and Hong Kong Stocks, AIA Reports Record Earnings In 2024

Bargain hunting supported the market advance in China and Hong Kong ahead of the policy announcements on Monday. The Hang Seng index erased weekly losses, and the mainland-focused index advanced nearly 2% in the week.

Expectations of Higher Rates In Japan Kept Tokyo Market Sentiment In Check

Benchmark indexes in Tokyo hovered near six-month lows as looming U.S. trade tariffs dampened investor sentiment. The yen retained an upward bias, and the yield on the 10-year Japanese bonds stayed at a 16-year high amid expectations of higher interest rates.

China Indexes Extended Losses to Fifth Consecutive Session, Two Sessions Failed to Shed More Light On Stimulus Measures

China indexes extended losses for the fifth consecutive session amid escalating trade tensions and constantly changing U.S. trade policy. The Two Sessions ended with a lack of a detailed plan to implement previously announced stimulus measures.

Japan's Spring Wage Negotiations Deliver Record Hikes, 10-Year Bond Yield Jumps to 17-Year High

Japan's large corporations agreed to record wage hikes for the second consecutive year amid skilled labor shortages and rising cost of living. The yield on 10-year Japan government bonds rose to a record high amid rising expectations of a rate hike after the next policy meeting.

Hang Seng Index Extended Losses to Fourth Consecutive Session; China Manufacturing Shifts, Shrinks, and Elongates Amid Tariff Wars

Investors turned cautious, and benchmark indexes in Hong Kong extended the decline to the fourth consecutive session amid escalating trade tensions and uncertain U.S. trade policy.

Nikkei 225 In Tokyo Extended YTD Losses to 6% Amid Tariff and Rate Path Uncertainties

Japan's fourth quarter GDP growth was revised lower after private consumption stalled amid high cost of living. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average extended its losses to 15% from the peak in July as investors struggle to adjust to constantly changing U.S. trade policy.

China Indexes Trim 2025 Rally Amid Changing Global Economic Outlook

China and Hong Kong indexes extended losses amid worries of a global economic growth slowdown caused by the U.S. trade policy uncertainty.

Japan' Real Wages Eased In January, Current Account Swung to Deficit

Japan's nominal wages rose for the third year in a row in January, but real wages decreased for the second consecutive month. Japan's current account balance swung to a loss for the first time in two years.

China Inflation Reports Confirm Ongoing Consumer Weakness, Stock Indexes Closed Down

Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong turned lower after the release of two inflation reports. Consumer price inflation turned negative, and producer price deflation extended to the 29th consecutive month in February.

Rising Yen and Tech Weakness Dragged Down Nikkei 225 Index

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average extended weekly losses to 1.5% following sharp losses in tech stocks and a broad sell-off sparked by weakness in New York. The yen extended its 2025 gain to 5% ahead of the Bank of Japan's rate decisions, pushing down the export-sensitive stocks.

Hang Seng Index Trimmed Weekly Advance to 4%, Sharp Slowdown In China's Exports In Jan-Feb Period

Stock market indexes in Hong Kong trimmed weekly advance to over 4%, the best weekly rise in two months, after the government set an ambitious annual economic growth target of 5%.