PBoC Held Rates at Record Lows Reflecting Caution Over Middle East Tensions

The People's Bank of China held its key lending rates for the 15th consecutive month in August.

Japan's Indexes Dropped 2% as Global Selloff In Semiconductor Stocks Intensified

Japan's volatile core machinery orders rebounded in June, indicating broad-based recovery in business investment.

Global Semiconductor Sell-off Dragged Down Indexes In China

China's indexes struggled to stay above the flatline, tracking losses in overnight trading in New York as semiconductor and other technology stocks sold off globally.

Japan's Bond Yield Advanced to a Three-Decade High, Yen Drifted Lower

The yield on Japan's government bonds increased to a three-decade high of 2.95% amid the prospect of a widening fiscal gap and lagging response from the Bank of Japan. The yen resumed its downward slide.

China's Weakening Economic Growth Outlook Dampen Mood In Stock Trading

Investment sentiment remained cautious following the release of July's key economic indicators, confirming a weak start to the second half. New home prices in China's top-tier cities were flat in July from the previous month.

Japan's Second Quarter Economic Growth Highlighted Persistent Domestic Demand Weakness

Japan's GDP growth accelerated in the second quarter from a year ago but slowed from the previous quarter amid persistent weakness in growth in domestic demand.

China's Indexes Advanced Ahead of Key Economic Reports, Hygon Information and Kweichow Moutai In Focus

China's indexes advanced ahead of the release of key economic indicators this week. Earnings reports of Hygon Information Technology and Kweichow Moutai confirmed diverging trends in the economy.

Japan's TOPIX Closed at New Record High, Yen Extended Weekly Losses as Bears Remain In Charge

Japan's benchmark indexes extended weekly gains, and the broader TOPIX closed at a new record high as softer U.S. inflation and a positive earnings outlook boosted risk appetite.

China's Stocks Extended Weekly Losses, SMIC Quarterly Profit Tripled

China's indexes extended weekly losses amid lingering uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz. SMIC said second quarter profit more than tripled amid sustained demand for its AI chips.

Japan's Elevated Wholesale Price Inflation Adds Urgency for BoJ Rate Action

Japan's producer price inflation stayed above 7% for the second consecutive month in July amid rising prices for energy, food and beverages, and chemicals.

China's Investors Held Out for Higher Highs Amid Renewed Interest In AI Trade

Benchmark indexes in China and Asia advanced as subdued U.S. inflation data eased pressure on the Federal Reserve to revise rates higher in the near term.

Japan's Nikkei 225 and TOPIX Extends Weekly Gains, Yen's Weakness Shifts Focus to BoJ

Japan's indexes extended weekly gains as tech and financial stocks led gainers. The yen resumed its downward slide and erased more than half of its post-intervention gains.

China's Indexes Hovered Near Flatline In Cautious Trading Ahead of SMIC Results

China's indexes meandered ahead of the release of quarterly results from SMIC. Investors were cautious amid lingering tensions in the Middle East and a weakening domestic macroeconomic growth outlook.

Volatile AI Stocks and Diplomatic Impasse In Middle East Dragged Down China's Indexes

China's indexes struggled to get traction amid uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and renewed selling in AI- and semiconductor-related stocks.

Japan's Current Account Swung to Deficit In June, Nikkei 225 Jumped 2%

Japan's current account balance swung to a deficit in June, marking the first decline since January 2025. The yen extended its recent downward trend following a joint U.S.-Japan intervention a week ago.