Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei down -3.32%, Shanghai Composite up 0.05%, Hang Seng down -0.45% ASX down -0.27%
- Commodities : Gold at $3,966.17 (0.14%), Silver at $47.289 (0.01%), Brent Oil at $64.29 (-0.23%), WTI Oil at $60.37 (-0.31%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.065, UK 10-year yield at 4.4210, Germany 10-year yield at 2.6518
News & Data:
- (NZD) Employment Change q/q 0.0% to 0.1% expected
- (NZD) Unemployment Rate 5.3% to 5.3% expected
Markets Update:
Asian stock markets are sharply lower on Wednesday, mirroring Wall Street’s steep overnight losses as concerns mount over a possible bursting of the global AI bubble. Japan and South Korea are leading declines, plunging nearly 5 percent each amid worries about stretched valuations in tech stocks. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon’s warning of a potential equity market correction within the next two years added to the bearish sentiment.
With the U.S. government shutdown extending to 35 days and delaying key economic data releases, traders now look to private indicators for clues on the economy. The ADP employment report, due later today, is expected to provide insight into labor market strength.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 is down 0.4 percent, dragged by losses in mining, energy, and technology stocks. Miners like Fortescue and Mineral Resources are down nearly 4 percent each, while gold miners are also under pressure.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 has slumped 4.7 percent, weighed by sharp declines in tech heavyweights such as SoftBank, Advantest, and Tokyo Electron. Minutes from the Bank of Japan’s recent meeting indicated gradual economic recovery but hinted at policy normalization with reduced ETF holdings.
Elsewhere, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are also lower. On Wall Street, the Nasdaq tumbled 2 percent and the S&P 500 shed 1.2 percent, while oil prices slipped on supply concerns.
Upcoming Events:
- 01:15 PM GMT – USD ADP Non-Farm Employment Change
- 03:00 PM GMT – USD ISM Services PMI
