Global Markets:
- Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei up 0.66%, Shanghai Composite up 0.57%, Hang Seng up 0.17% ASX up 0.63%
- Commodities : Gold at $3331.35 (0.29%), Silver at $36.8 (0.19%), Brent Oil at $70.20 (0.19%), WTI Oil at $68.38 (-0.3%)
- Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.4335, UK 10-year yield at 4.6010, Germany 10-year yield at 2.6315
News & Data:
- (USD) Crude Oil Inventories 7.1M to -1.7M expected
Markets Update:
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Thursday as investors reacted to two key developments: the Bank of Korea’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged and U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements. The Bank of Korea maintained rates at an almost three-year low, in line with market expectations. Meanwhile, Trump confirmed that a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports will begin on August 1. He also reaffirmed that the 50% duty on copper imports, previously announced, will take effect the same day.
In Singapore, the benchmark Straits Times Index continued its rally, rising for the fourth consecutive session. The index gained 0.47%, hitting a fresh record high of 4,077.41 points as of 11:24 a.m., according to data from LSEG.
Across the broader Asia-Pacific region, markets showed varied movement. Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened 0.45% lower, and the broader Topix index declined 0.54%. In contrast, South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.24%, while the tech-heavy Kosdaq gained 0.44%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.51% in early trading.
Traders are weighing Trump’s aggressive trade stance and regional economic signals, with central bank decisions and inflation data in focus. Market sentiment remains cautious amid concerns over protectionist policies and their potential global impact.
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