Asian markets sway ahead of pivotal trading week as US data unfolds
Asian equities surge as investors weigh US‑China tariff truce and inflation data
Asian markets opened higher on Monday, reflecting expectations that the United States will extend the trade‑war pause with China and that the forthcoming consumer‑price index could influence future policy moves by the Federal Reserve.
Key events shaping the day
- US‑China tariff truce extension – President Donald Trump is expected to announce a renewal of the 90‑day tariff truce, keeping the trade war paused beyond the deadline that expires Tuesday.
- US Consumer Price Index (CPI) – The CPI report, scheduled for Tuesday, may lead the Fed to revisit its rate‑cut outlook amid growing pressure from the president to reduce borrowing costs.
- AI competition between Washington and Beijing – Investors remain bullish on artificial intelligence, with major chip firms Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) pledging to share 15 % of AI‑chip revenue with Washington after selling to China.
- Russian‑US summit – A high‑stakes meeting between President Trump and Russian Leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday could open pathways to a Ukraine‑war settlement that eases sanctions on Moscow.
Early trading highlights
- Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index up 0.2 % at 24,896.02
- Shanghai – Composite up 0.3 % at 3,644.73
- Tokyo – Nikkei 225 closed for a public holiday
- Singapore & Manila – Slight losses compared to Hong Kong and Shanghai gains
- Wellington, Taipei, Jakarta – All rose on Monday
Currency and commodity movements
- Pound/dollar – Up to $1.3457 from $1.3451
- Euro/dollar – Up to $1.1667 from $1.1643
- Dollar/yen – Down to 147.56 yen from 147.79 yen
- West Texas Intermediate – Down 0.6 % at $63.50 per barrel
- Brent North Sea Crude – Down 0.5 % at $66.27 per barrel
Stock market updates
- New York Dow – Up 0.5 % at 44,175.61 (close)
- London FTSE 100 – Down 0.1 % at 9,095.73 (close)
Despite uncertainties surrounding trade, the global appetite for artificial intelligence remains strong, as investors bet on its capacity to reshape economies worldwide.
