Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei up 0.03%, Shanghai Composite down 0.17%, Hang Seng up 0.74% ASX up 0.11%
- Commodities : Gold at $5,206.41 (0.22%) Silver at $89.700 (3.11%), Brent Oil at $70.78 (-0.08%), WTI Oil at $65.23 (0.02%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.002, UK 10-year yield at 4.2770, Germany 10-year yield at 2.6984
News & Data:
- (USD) Unemployment Claims 212K to 217K expected
Markets Update:
Asian stock markets traded mixed on Friday, following uncertain cues from Wall Street overnight. Technology stocks declined sharply, mirroring losses in the Nasdaq, amid concerns about excessive investment in artificial intelligence. Traders also remained cautious due to ongoing global tariff uncertainty and geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Investors were additionally focused on the upcoming U.S. producer price inflation report, which could influence the interest rate outlook.
The Australian market traded slightly lower in volatile conditions, giving back some recent gains. The S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.09 percent to 9,166.90, while the broader All Ordinaries Index edged down 0.03 percent. Mining stocks showed mixed performance, with Rio Tinto and BHP declining, while Fortescue and Mineral Resources advanced. Technology stocks were volatile, with WiseTech falling and Zip surging, while Block jumped sharply after announcing job cuts.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined 0.38 percent, ending its three-session winning streak. Technology shares led losses, with Advantest, Screen Holdings, and Tokyo Electron falling notably. However, some exporters, including Sony, recorded gains.
Economic data showed Australia’s private sector credit grew moderately, while Japan reported stronger retail sales but weaker-than-expected industrial production.
Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea declined sharply, while Hong Kong and New Zealand recorded modest gains. Wall Street’s Nasdaq fell significantly overnight, reflecting continued weakness in technology stocks and cautious investor sentiment.
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