The better than expected GDP release we saw from China was unfortunately, only a positive influence for a short period, then profit taking and summer liquidity took over. Shanghai has had a good run so far but having had the Index inclusion and probably suffering from a stronger currency. Second quarter released at 6.9% compared […]

The second day of Chair Janet Yellen’s address and the Asian markets liked what it heard. Although, Chair Yellen did remark that attaining a 3% growth target would be challenging the markets appeared to take it in its stride as they awaited US inflation data. All core Asia closed better with the Australian ASX (+0.5%), […]

Reflected in Wednesdays late US futures trading Asian indices responded with a strong opening theme. China’s Shanghai found additional support from the Trade data releases much stronger than had been forecast. Exports were released 11.3% with Imports at 17.2% whilst the forecasts had been 8.7% Exports and 13.1% Imports. Shanghai closed +0.65% higher with the […]

It was only the Hang Seng that saw a positive close today (+0.6%) as most digest the Trump email release and await central bank comments. As part of the safety return the JPY gained almost 1% and was last seen playing around the 113 figure. The Nikkei close lower (-0.5%) as we watched a broad […]

Another encouraging session for Asia as the confidence continues, at least until we see something to the contrary later in the week. Many are referencing the bond markets as they watch yields creep higher and the curve start to steepen as an indication that things have finally turned. China’s Shanghai settled small lower but the […]

We start the week with mixed session from Asia as Chinese reserve data showed small increase and the general trend of acceptance for Chinese 5% growth. The Japanese yen continued its decline breaching 114 and even in late US trading had was last seen around the 114.25 level. The Nikkei edged better but a small […]

Following on from the weak US session, Asia tended to drift in sympathy. Ahead of the US NFP’s it was always going to be light volume but with G20 also just stated numbers were even lighter. The Shanghai has managed a positive close (+0.17%), but not so for the Hang Seng which closed down -0.5%. […]

Geopolitics has taken centre stage today as Trump comments on the severity required towards North Korea and prepares for his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has talks with President Trump are expected to be frosty as she commented, “He is the most disruptive and egotistical leader at the (G20) summit”. […]

Whenever there is a national holiday and especially July 4th, volumes are light which can result in larger moves and higher volatility. Given that North Korea tested another missile earlier today the effect on markets was more extreme than would otherwise have been expected. The Hang Seng took the brunt of the move closing down […]

Some refreshingly strong data released in both Japan and China has helped market move on a note. We saw the BOJ’s TANKAN (business confidence data) show an improvement from previous quarterly number at +17 (prior was +15). This has helped push the Nikkei a little better but sees the JPY trade weaker now with a […]