Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei down 0.28%, Shanghai Composite down 0.21%, Hang Seng down 0.23% ASX up 0.40%
- Commodities : Gold at $4,599.05 (-0.52%), Silver at $90.542 (-2.50%), Brent Oil at $63.21 (-0.32%), WTI Oil at $59.07 (-0.36%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.168, UK 10-year yield at 4.3920, Germany 10-year yield at 2.8177
News & Data:
- (USD) Unemployment Claims 198K to 215K expected
Markets Update:
Asian stock markets traded mostly higher on Friday, taking positive cues from Wall Street overnight amid easing geopolitical tensions surrounding a potential U.S.–Iran confrontation. Renewed optimism over AI-led growth also supported technology stocks. Asian markets had closed mixed in the previous session.
Sentiment was further aided by U.S. data showing an unexpected decline in first-time unemployment claims for the week ended January 10, helping to ease concerns over labor market strength.
Australian shares extended gains for a fifth straight session, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 hovering near the 8,900 level. Financial and technology stocks led advances, partially offset by weakness in energy and gold miners. Major miners showed mixed performance, while oil stocks declined alongside falling crude prices. Technology shares were broadly positive, with Appen surging after announcing the lapse of performance rights. The big four banks posted modest gains, while gold miners mostly traded lower. The Australian dollar was steady around $0.670.
In contrast, Japanese stocks declined, extending losses from the previous session despite upbeat global cues. The Nikkei 225 slipped amid weakness in exporters and financial stocks. Automakers and select technology shares moved lower, while gains were seen in some industrial and retail names. The yen traded in the lower 158 range against the U.S. dollar.
Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea and Taiwan posted strong gains, while China, Hong Kong, Singapore and New Zealand edged higher. Malaysia declined slightly, while Indonesia remained closed for a public holiday.
Overnight, U.S. markets ended higher, while European stocks closed mixed. Crude oil prices fell sharply as geopolitical risks eased.
Upcoming Events:
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