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Exchange-Traded Funds Rise as US Equities Advance After Midday

Broad Market IndicatorsBroad-market exchange-traded funds IWM and IVV edged higher. Actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) added 1%.US equity indexes rose while government bond yields fell after an unexpected drop in nonfarm payrolls, cooling expectations for a rate hike in September.EnergyIShares US Energy ETF (IYE) and the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE) each shed about 0.3%.TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) added 1.2%; iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) and iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) also increased.The State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor (XSD) rose 4.3%, and iShares Semiconductor (SOXX) gained 1.7%.FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF) shed 0.4%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) declined 1.1%, and its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), advanced 1.2%.CommoditiesCrude oil rose 1.2%, and the United States Oil Fund (USO) gained 0.7%. Natural gas added 1.3%, and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was up 1.1%.Gold on Comex rose 2.3%, and the State Street SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) added 2%. Silver was up 3%, and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) added 2.2%.ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) was down 0.1%. The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) was flat, and iShares Dow Jones US Consumer Goods (IYK) eased 0.1%.The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (XLY) was up 1.4%. VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) added 0.6%, and the State Street SPDR S&P Retail (XRT) gained 0.7%.HealthcareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR (XLV) added 0.2%, iShares US Healthcare (IYH) added 0.5%, and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) was up 0.4%. IShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was 1.4% higher.IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR (XLI) rose 0.4%. Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) was higher while iShares US Industrials (IYJ) declined.CryptocurrencyIn midday activity, bitcoin (BTC-USD) rose 0.7%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO) gained 0.7%, ProShares Ether ETF (EETH) was up 0.7%, and ProShares Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) added 0.5%.

Dow Jones^EEM^EXI^FAS^FAZ^GLD^IBB^IGM^IGV^IPK^IVV^IWMNasdaq Composite^IYE^IYH^IYJ^IYK^IYW^PMR^QQQ^RTH^SOXXS&P 500^SPY^UNG^USO^VDC^VHT^VIS^XLE^XLF^XLI^XLK^XLP^XLV^XRT^XSD$BETH$BITO$EETH

Asia Markets2h ago

Update: US Equity Indexes Advance as Fed Policy-Pause Bets Rise Amid Unexpected Decline in Nonfarm Payrolls

(Updates with index/price moves, macroeconomic data and company/geopolitical news from the first paragraph.)US equity indexes rose after a surprise drop in nonfarm payrolls lifted the odds for a monetary policy pause in September and sent government bond yields lower.The Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.1% to 26,626.5, with the S&P 500 up 0.5% to 7,750.4 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average higher by 0.2% to 54,985.1.Consumer discretionary, materials, and technology were among the top gainers in a broadly positive tape, while energy and financials led decliners.The July employment report showed nonfarm payrolls fell by 23,000, compared with the 80,000 jobs increase expected in a Bloomberg-compiled poll. Private payrolls rose by 30,000 in July, the same as in June but below the 82,000 expected. Government sector jobs decreased by 53,000.The unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in July from 4.2% in June, compared with a forecast of 4.2%, after the labor force participation rate declined to 61.4% from 61.5% and the labor force contracted.Looking past the government decline, the increase in private payrolls was below the lowest forecast, Jefferies Chief US Economist Thomas Simons said in a note. Large declines in leisure and hospitality, retail trade and financial services offset strength in construction and healthcare and social assistance, Simons said, adding that the next move from the Federal Reserve is an interest-rate cut, and most likely in December.The probability of the Federal Reserve keeping its target rate unchanged at 3.5%-3.75% in September surged to 56% on Friday from 45% a day ago and 33% a week ago, according to the CME FedWatch tool.US Treasury yields fell, with the 10-year yield down 1.9 basis points to 4.65% and the two-year lower by 4.6 basis points to 4.20%.Gold futures jumped 2.4% to $4,399.9, and silver futures surged 3.1% to $63.53.In geopolitical news, an Iranian official said a framework on the Strait of Hormuz has been agreed with Oman, with "a final decision to be made at higher levels," Al Jazeera, a Middle Eastern broadcaster, reported, citing Iranian state media. The deal would not automatically reopen the waterway, Tehran's deputy foreign minister said, according to CNN.The Saudi crown prince, Turkish president and Pakistani prime minister have signed a joint defense deal in Mecca stating that "any armed attack against any one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against them all," Al Jazeera reported. Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world with nuclear weapons.The front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil contract jumped 1.5% to $78.41 a barrel, and global benchmark North Sea Brent advanced 1.5% to $83.74 a barrel.In company news, Microchip Technology's (MCHP) strong fiscal Q1 results were buoyed by better cyclical trends and structural tailwinds from its data center and aerospace and defense segments, Morgan Stanley said in a Friday note. Shares of Microchip soared 14%, one of the top gainers on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq.Airbnb (ABNB) reported stronger Q2 bookings as product changes contributed to higher revenue in the quarter, RBC Capital Markets said in a Friday note. Shares surged 15%, one of the biggest gainers on the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$ABNB$MCHP

Asia Markets4h ago

Swiss Market Index Ends Week Upbeat; Amrize Falls

The blue-chip Swiss Market Index bounced back to positive territory on Friday, closing 0.18% higher, as investors assessed the latest corporate updates and economic data prints.Switzerland's consumer sentiment index improved to -34.8 points in July from -35.8 points in June. In the previous year, the index stood at -32.8 points. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs said the separate indices for financial outlook, past financial situation and the moment to make major purchases deteriorated year over year, while the indicator for economic outlook "barely changed."Meanwhile, the country's foreign currency reserves increased to 768.26 billion francs in July from the revised 758.85 billion francs previously, according to data from the Swiss National Bank (SNBN.SW).Over to corporates, Novartis (NOVN.SW) secured approval from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for its Rhapsido drug to treat eligible adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria whose symptoms are not sufficiently controlled by using H1 antihistamines alone. The Swiss pharmaceutical major's stock was up 0.64% at closing.Amrize (AMRZ.SW) reported a year-over-year increase in first-half revenue to $5.68 billion from $5.31 billion, while net income jumped to $369 million from $322 million. For full-year 2026, the building materials company updated its revenue guidance to between $12.5 billion and $12.7 billion amid increased demand and oil price-driven cost inflation."Amrize is making good progress with its ASPIRE program and expects to achieve $80 million of savings in 2026. Across both businesses, additional price increases are expected to be realized in the second half of the year. The timing difference between price realization and oil price driven cost inflation is expected to affect Full Year company earnings," the company said in its earnings release. Amrize's shares concluded the trading session 8.78% in the red.

^SSMI$AMRZ.SW$NOVN.SW$SNBN.SW

Asia Markets4h ago

DAX Index Up After German Industrial Output, Trade Data Releases

The blue-chip DAX index closed Friday 0.69% higher, as the market assessed the latest German industrial production and trade balance data alongside fresh corporate earnings and trading updates.According to Destatis, industrial output in June was up 0.2% month over month, as expected, and against the revised 0.7% increase a month ago. Year over year, industrial production declined 0.1%, following zero growth previously."Despite the war in the Middle East and soaring energy prices, industrial production is proving resilient. Some industries or companies actually seem to have benefited from the war in the Middle East, as Asian competitors were hit harder by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. However, don't mistake a cyclical rebound for structural improvement. This is still only a cyclical rebound from low levels," ING said. "Even if the German economy has proven more resilient than some had feared, an expansion of the conflict into other trade routes would obviously pose a new risk to the economic rebound."On the trade front, the Federal Statistical Office reported that Germany's calendar and seasonally adjusted trade surplus was 15.4 billion euros in June, compared with the revised 19.3 billion euros in May and the market forecast of 17.2 billion euros.In geopolitical news, crude prices trended higher again as market watchers assessed reports on the supposed initial draft of the Iran-Oman proposal for the Strait of Hormuz, which looks to impose stringent commercial shipping controls, including limits on US and Israeli vessels, hostile-nation compensation fees and 20% cargo penalties for violations.On the corporate side, Daimler Truck Holding (DTG.F) lost 2.81% and was the biggest loser, as the German automaker's second-quarter order intake came in weaker than expected across its business areas, with incoming group orders growing 27% to 74,448 units year over year."Daimler Truck has issued full Q2 results, with key [profit and loss] figures in line with the July 22 pre-release. However, unit orders up 27% y/y, but a 14% miss vs consensus ([Trucks North America/Mercedes-Benz Trucks] -17%/21% respectively)," RBC wrote. "Orders being somewhat soft the main surprise point, with no other major surprises given the pre-release."Meanwhile, Munich Re (MUV2.F) was down 1.38% after the German reinsurer lowered its full-year 2026 group insurance revenue outlook to 62 billion euros from 64 billion euros earlier, following the revision of its reinsurance revenue expectations to 38 billion euros from 40 billion euros due to current business trends. Still, Munich Re said in its interim earnings report that it continues to expect a net result outlook of 6.3 billion euros amid expectations of "sustained advantageous business opportunities in the coming quarters."

^DAX$DTG.F$MUV2.F

Asia Markets4h ago

London Shares End Week on High Note; Diageo Gains

British equities closed higher on Friday, with the FTSE 100 up 0.39%, as investors weighed stable UK housing data, while strength in mining shares and optimism following Diageo's capital markets day lifted the blue-chip index.Precious metals miners led the advance, with Fresnillo (FRES.L) rising 5.30% and Endeavour Mining (EDV.L) gaining 4.06%, making them the top performers on the index.Meanwhile, British alcoholic beverage company Diageo (DGE.L) gained 3.23% following its capital markets day on Thursday, during which it provided updates on its restructuring, operating framework, and financial targets."In our view, the financial targets are ambitious but achievable, and the plan is to turn around the North American business while growth is supported by the rest of the world. There are big plans for RTDs (ready to drink beverages) and key mainstream brands in the US to unlock growth, with significant reinvestment primarily in innovation and competitiveness. Investment in pricing will remain very selective, and management emphasised on several occasions that no margin or profit rebase is required," Berenberg said in a flash note.Meanwhile, JD Sports Fashion (JD.L) appointed former Ahold Delhaize Chair Peter Agnefjäll as its new permanent chair, succeeding interim Chair Darren Shapland from Sept. 1. The sports, fashion and outdoor brands retailer closed 2.28% in the green.In economic news, average house prices in the UK were unchanged in July, compared with a 0.2% uptick in June, according to data published by Lloyds. Analysts expected a 0.2% rise for the month."More broadly, average house prices have remained relatively stable for almost two years, moving within a narrow range over that period and sitting just +0.5% higher than they were in November 2024," said Lloyds Head of Mortgages Amanda Bryden. "Looking ahead, we expect market activity and house prices to remain relatively stable over the remainder of the year."Looking ahead to next week, investors will turn their attention to a batch of UK economic data, including provisional second-quarter GDP figures and June industrial production.

FTSE 100$DGE.L$EDV.L$FRES.L$JD.L

Asia Markets4h ago

European Stocks Close Higher in Friday Trading as Investors Monitor Middle East Developments

The European stock markets closed higher Friday as investors eye developments in the Middle East and weigh a generally positive earnings season.The Stoxx Europe gained 0.4%, Germany's DAX rose 0.9%, the FTSE 100 increased 0.4%, France's CAC was up 0.3%, and the Swiss Market Index closed 0.3% higher.In the UK, home prices edged slightly lower in July to 299,253 pounds ($402,284) from 299,396 pounds in June, and is up only 0.1% a year earlier, marking the smallest annual growth since November 2023, according to the Lloyds House Price Index."Average house prices have remained relatively stable for almost two years, moving within a narrow range over that period and sitting just +0.5% higher than they were in November 2024," Amanda Bryden, Lloyds' head of mortgages, said in a statement. "That trend has persisted even as buyers and sellers have faced a more uncertain economic backdrop this year."In Germany, output in the manufacturing sector rose 0.2% in June from May 2026, after seasonal and calendar adjustments, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).Destatis attributed the growth in production primarily to growth in the automotive industry.In corporate news, Novo Nordisk said Wednesday it won a preliminary injunction in the Netherlands against Ceban Ziekenhuisfarmacie B.V. in a patent-infringement case involving its compounded semaglutide nasal spray.The District Court of The Hague ordered Ceban to stop selling the nasal spray immediately, noting that Ceban infringed Novo Nordisk's supplementary protection certificate covering semaglutide, Novo said.Novo Nordisk said that under the ruling, Ceban has to remove references to the product from relevant listings and websites, provide information about its commercial supply chain, and reimburse its legal costs."We have studied the decision and accept the court's ruling. Since this medicinal product is an insignificant part of our business, the financial impact of this ruling is immaterial," a spokesperson for Ceban Pharmaceuticals, parent company of Ceban Ziekenhuisfarmacie, said Friday in an emailed statement.Shares of the Danish pharmaceutical company rose 4% in Copenhagen.

Asia Markets4h ago

European Equities Traded in the US as American Depositary Receipts Rise in Friday Trading

European equities traded in the US as American depositary receipts were trending higher late Friday morning, rising 0.91% to 1,957.71 on the S&P Europe Select ADR Index, which is up 1.6% for the week so far.From continental Europe, the gainers were led by internet ad firm Criteo (CRTO) and software company SAP (SAP), which rose 4.1% and 3.8% respectively. They were followed by accommodations booking site trivago (TRVG) and semiconductor company Sequans Communications (SQNS), which were up 3.3% and 2.9% respectively.The decliners from continental Europe were led by furniture maker Natuzzi (NTZ) and oil and gas company Eni (E), which dropped 12% and 1.3% respectively. They were followed by petroleum refiner Equinor (EQNR) and telecommunications company Nokia (NOK), which were off 0.9% and 0.6% respectively.The gainers from the UK were led by communications company WPP (WPP) and biopharmaceutical company Biodexa Pharmaceuticals (BDRX), which advanced 5% and 4.8% respectively. They were followed by biotech firm Autolus Therapeutics (AUTL) and biopharmaceutical company Bicycle Therapeutics (BCYC), which increased 4.3% and 4% respectively.The decliners from the UK and Ireland were led by biopharmaceutical company Akari Therapeutics (AKTX) and oil and gas company BP (BP), which fell 2.5% and 1.2% respectively. They were followed by oil and gas company Shell (SHEL) and biopharmaceutical company NuCana (NCNA), which lost 1.1% and 0.7% respectively.

$AKTX$AUTL$BCYC$BDRX$BP$CRTO$E$EQNR$NCNA$NOK$NTZ$SAP$SHEL$SQNS$TRVG$WPP

Asia Markets5h ago

Asian Equities Traded in the US as American Depositary Receipts Rise in Friday Trading; End Week Up 2%

Asian equities traded in the US as American depositary receipts were tracking higher Friday morning, rising 0.51% to 3,012.88 on the S&P Asia 50 ADR Index, which is up more than 2% for the week so far.From North Asia, the gainers were led by used car marketplace Uxin (UXIN) and biopharmaceutical company Zai Lab (ZLAB), which surged 27.6% and 11% respectively. They were followed by online game developer Gravity (GRVY) and semiconductor company Himax Technologies (HIMX), which climbed 9.8% and 5.8% respectively.The decliners from North Asia were led by online game developer The9 (NCTY) and diagnostic imaging centers company Concord Medical Services (CCM), which fell 7.2% and 5.5% respectively. They were followed by semiconductor company Silicon Motion Technology (SIMO) and fintech firm LexinFintech (LX), which lost 4.5% and 1% respectively.From South Asia, the gainers were led by computer hardware maker Canaan (CAN) and tech conglomerate Sea (SE), which rose 12.2% and 1.8% respectively. They were followed by IT firm Infosys (INFY) and telecommunications operator Telekomunikasi Indonesia (TLK), which were up 1.6% and 1% respectively.The lone decliner from South Asia was lender ICICI Bank (IBN), which was down 1.4%.

$CAN$CCM$GRVY$HIMX$IBN$INFY$LX$NCTY$SE$SIMO$TLK$UXIN$ZLAB

Asia Markets7h ago

Update: US Equity Futures Rise Pre-Bell as Traders Assess Jobs Report, Monitor Middle East Developments

(Updates with economic data, recent oil price movement, world markets' overview and corporate stock movements.)US equity futures were edging higher pre-bell Friday as traders assessed July's national jobs report and monitored developments in the Middle East conflict.Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were 0.1% higher, S&P 500 futures were up 0.3%, and Nasdaq futures were 0.6% higher.Iran released a draft plan for the Strait of Hormuz that restricts US and Israeli ships from passage, while other nations that harmed it would not be allowed to transit the waterway until compensation is paid, CNBC reported, citing Iranian state news outlet Fars. Iran and Oman are reportedly close to an agreement regarding passage through the strait.In the latest round of earnings, Vistra (VST) reported a decline in Q2 net income and operating revenue.Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 1% at $81.69 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 0.7% lower at $76.77 per barrel.The July national unemployment rate was reported at 4.1%, down from 4.2% in the prior month and lower than the 4.2% figure from estimates compiled by Bloomberg.Federal Reserve Richmond President Thomas Barkin is slated to speak on Friday.In other world markets, Japan's Nikkei closed 0.1% lower, Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended 0.5% higher, and China's Shanghai Composite finished 1% higher. Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 was up 0.7%, and Germany's DAX index was 0.9% higher in Europe's early afternoon session.In equities, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) shares rose 2.2% after the company said it agreed to purchase Taalas to expand its computing capabilities with specialized artificial intelligence processors. Airbnb (ABNB) stock was up 7.5% after the company's Q2 results surpassed analysts' estimates amid strong demand fueled by the FIFA World Cup. Cloudflare (NET) shares surged 16% after the company lifted its full-year outlook following better-than-expected Q2 results.On the losing side, Resmed (RMD) shares fell 11% despite the company reporting higher fiscal Q4 adjusted earnings and revenue.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$ABNB$AMD$NET$RMD$VST

Asia Markets8h ago

UAE Stocks Close Mixed as Corporate Earnings Take Center Stage

Markets in the United Arab Emirates ended the trading week diverging as investors digested fresh corporate earnings while weighing uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations.The country's two benchmark indices closed mixed on Friday as Abu Dhabi's FTSE ADX General Index lost 0.256% and Dubai's DFM General Index gained 0.448%.As another busy earnings week came to a close, Dana Gas (ADX:DANA) reported a 47% year-over-year growth in its net profit for the first six months, driven by higher revenue, and closed the session 2.80% higher. Insurance House (ADX:IH) stocks, on the other hand, plunged 4.86% despite a surge in its net profit for the period.Emaar Properties (DFM:EMAAR) and its subsidiary Emaar Development (DFM:EMAARDEV) logged 22% and 48% year-over-year jumps in their first-half attributable profits, respectively. Emaar Properties closed 0.86% lower and was the Dubai bourse's most traded stock by value, while Emaar Development shed 1.62% at closing.On the geopolitical front, markets weighed the initial details of the Iran-Oman agreement to reopen the Hormuz waterway, which comprises a potential ban on US and Israeli vessels, transit fees of 5% to 7% and a penalty of up to 20% of cargo value on hostile countries, and other compensation for damage."Despite clear signs of progress in recent days, the tenor of the rhetoric and growing distrust between the US and Iran mean things could go from bad to worse once again," ING said. "For now, we hold onto our view that flows will start to normalise through the third quarter, which leaves us expecting Brent to average $80/bbl this quarter. However, there's plenty of risk and uncertainty to this view."On the economic calendar next week is the release of July's consumer price index print by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, providing investors with an overview of inflation and the US Federal Reserve's next monetary policy move.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:DANAADX:IHDFM:EMAARDFM:EMAARDEV

Asia Markets8h ago

Jobs Report, Persian Gulf Views Lift Wall Street Pre-Bell; Asia Mixed, Europe Up

Wall Street futures pointed moderately higher pre-bell Friday as traders awaited the national jobs report and monitored developments in the Persian Gulf.In the futures, the S&P 500 rose 0.2%, the Nasdaq inclined 0.4% and the Dow Jones was up 0.1%.The July employment bulletin from Washington is slated for an 8:30 am ET release, and will offer a window into how domestic labor markets are faring during a period of higher oil prices.The VanEck Semiconductor fund (SMH) gained 1% pre-bell, while West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures traded down 0.7%, at $76.79 a barrel, in morning hours.Asian exchanges traded unevenly overnight, with Hong Kong and Shanghai rising after a strong July international trade report from Beijing.European bourses tracked moderately north midday on the continent, again testing all-time highs.Akamai Technologies (AKAM) traded up 13.2% after the AI- and cloud-computing outfit reported Q2 financial results modestly above expectations, but also disclosed a $600 million, four-year agreement with a new customer to provide cloud infrastructure for robotics development.On the economic calendar, in addition to the jobs report, is the weekly Baker Hughes oil-and-gas rig count at 1 pm.Federal Reserve Richmond Thomas Barkin is slated to speak on Friday.In pre-market action, bitcoin traded at $64,813, and 10-year US Treasuries offered 4.66%. Spot gold commanded $4,315 an ounce.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500

Asia Markets10h ago

Malaysian Blue-Chip Index Ticks Down; Tong Herr Resources Shares Surge 26%

The final trading day of the week in Malaysia ended in the red as geopolitical tensions at home and across the globe drove sentiment down.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI, the main gauge of Malaysian stocks, shed 1.40 points to end 0.08% lower at 1,735.75."[Malaysian] Prime Minister Anwar's Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition lost further ground in the Negri Sembilan state elections, following earlier losses in the Johor and Sabah state elections. This marks a sharp reversal from the 2023 state election, when PH emerged as the largest coalition. Prospects for an early federal election this year have receded further, but questions over the stability of the unity government persist. We continue to expect a sharpened policy focus on households and SMEs, as well as a more calibrated pace of fiscal consolidation. The fiscal deficit for 2026 could be revised up slightly by 0.1 percentage points to 3.6% of GDP, even as Petronas dividends for this year are likely to be raised by the end of August," BofA Global Research said in a note.In corporate news, shares of Tong Herr Resources (KLSE:TONGHER) jumped about 26% on close after it received a take-private proposal from its major shareholders Allrich Corp and Richard Holdings via a selective capital reduction and repayment exercise worth 2.55 ringgit per share.Meanwhile, shares of AWC (KLSE:AWC) gained over 3% after its Qudotech unit secured a 23.1 million-ringgit subcontract for plumbing, silo tank and internal sanitary works on a data center project.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:AWCKLSE:TONGHER

Asia Markets22h ago

Update: US Equity Indexes Fall as Treasury Yields Jump With Crude Oil Ahead of Nonfarm Payrolls, Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

(Updates with index/price moves, macroeconomic data and company/geopolitical news from the first paragraph.)US equity indexes fell, with markets under pressure amid higher government bond yields and crude oil prices ahead of nonfarm payrolls and a much-awaited agreement between Iran and Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.9% to 53,885.10, with the S&P 500 down 0.2% to 7,709.96 at the close Friday. The Nasdaq Composite slipped less than 0.1% to 26,348.35. All but three sectors, energy, healthcare and technology, declined. Industrials, real estate and materials led decliners.SpaceX (SPCX) will build a vertically integrated semiconductor fabrication facility in Grimes County, Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement Thursday. Phase one of the Terafab project includes a capital investment of more than $16.8 billion, he said. Shares of SpaceX advanced 6.1%, the top gainer on the Nasdaq.Motorola Solutions (MSI) delivered a better-than-expected Q2, driven by continued outperformance from Silvus Technologies in defense markets and a surprise return to growth in its Land Mobile Radio business, Morgan Stanley said in a Thursday research note. Shares of Motorola soared 8.2%, the leader on the S&P 500.In economic news, outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas said companies planned to cut 33,429 jobs in July, down from 45,849 in June and 62,075 in July 2025, the lowest monthly total since July 2024."The pace of layoffs fell dramatically this summer," said Andy Challenger, the company's chief revenue officer. "Layoff plans continue to be announced primarily in tech, and artificial intelligence is still the story, as investments in the technology reshape organizations."Initial jobless claims rose to 199,000 in the week ended Aug. 1 from an upwardly revised 198,000 in the prior week, compared with the 205,000 forecast in a survey of analysts compiled by Bloomberg. The four-week moving average fell by 4,500 to 198,750.Nonfarm payrolls are expected to jump to 88,000 for July, from 57,000 reported for the previous month, according to economists' estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Data are due Friday. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari (voter) would prefer a gradual rate increase sooner, perhaps as early as the September monetary policy meeting, rather than be forced to raise rates rapidly later, according to a CNBC interview Wednesday.US Treasury yields jumped on Thursday, with the 10-year yield climbing 4.7 basis points to 4.66% and the two-year higher by 6.2 basis points to 4.24%. Apart from interest rate expectations, the yields also reflected geopolitical developments.Iran will seek to bar US and Israeli ships from the Strait of Hormuz and require compensation from hostile countries before being allowed to use it, Bloomberg reported, citing local media reports on a proposed Iran-Oman deal to manage the crucial waterway. The agreement has become key to expectations for a reopening of Hormuz and a resumption of energy flows, the news report said.Iran has made a concerted diplomatic push with Gulf states, warning them explicitly that Tehran will hit their oil, power and water plants unless they convince President Donald Trump to end US strikes on Iran, Reuters reported Thursday.Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil contract jumped 4.2% to $78.38 a barrel, and global benchmark North Sea Brent surged 5.3% to $83.67 a barrel. Both crude types traded close to their session highs.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$MSI$SPCX

Asia Markets1d ago

Update: US Equity Indexes Mixed as Chipmakers Help Lift Technology While Crude Oil Jumps With Treasury Yields

(Updates with index/price moves, macroeconomic data and company/geopolitical news from the first paragraph.)US equity indexes were mixed, with gains in energy and tech partially offsetting a broadly negative market under pressure from higher government bond yields and crude oil.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.6% to 54,016.3, with the S&P 500 down 0.2% to 7,710.2. The Nasdaq Composite was little changed at 26,308.7.Among companies with a market capitalization of more than $200 billion, four of the top five belonged to either the semiconductor or the semiconductor equipment and materials industries. Arm (ARM) was the biggest outperformer in this category, with shares up 4.9%.Tech giant Sandisk's (SNDK) shares traded 5.2% lower after dropping more than 10% earlier in the session, following fiscal Q4 results that showed an adjusted earnings and revenue beat. Raymond James adjusted its price target on Sandisk's shares to $2,000 from $1,470.Energy topped the sector charts intraday, followed by technology. Real estate, materials, and industrials led the decliners.Iran has made a concerted diplomatic push with Gulf states, warning them explicitly that Tehran will hit their oil, power and water plants unless they convince President Donald Trump to end US strikes on Iran, Reuters reported Thursday.Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a proposed framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran's deputy foreign minister said, according to a CNN report Thursday. However, the agreement would not automatically reopen the waterway, he warned, according to the news report. The deal would give Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian source and two regional officials told Reuters on Wednesday.The front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil contract jumped 3.2% to $77.65 a barrel, and global benchmark North Sea Brent surged 4.% to $82.60 a barrel.US Treasury yields rose, with the 10-year yield up 5.5 basis points to 4.67% and the two-year higher by 6.8 basis points to 4.25%.Gold futures slipped 0.1% to $4,300.40, giving up earlier gains. Silver futures retreated 1% to $61.64.In economic news, Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas said companies planned to cut 33,429 jobs in July, down from 45,849 in June and 62,075 in July 2025, and the lowest monthly total since July 2024."The pace of layoffs fell dramatically this summer," said Andy Challenger, the company's chief revenue officer. "Layoff plans continue to be announced primarily in tech, and artificial intelligence is still the story, as investments in the technology reshape organizations."Initial jobless claims rose to 199,000 in the week ended Aug. 1 from an upwardly revised 198,000 in the prior week, compared with the 205,000 forecast in a survey of analysts compiled by Bloomberg. The four-week moving average fell by 4,500 to 198,750.Wholesale inventories rose by 0.2% in June, revised downward from a 0.3% increase in the advance reading and following a 0.3% increase in May. Analysts in a Bloomberg-compiled poll expected no revision.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$ARM$SNDK

Asia Markets1d ago

Exchange-Traded Funds Decline as US Equities Fall After Midday

Broad Market IndicatorsBroad-market exchange-traded funds IWM and IVV edged lower. Actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) eased 0.4%.US equity indexes fell, while both government bond yields and crude oil rose after midday Thursday.EnergyIShares US Energy ETF (IYE) and the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE) each added about 1.3%.TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) added 0.1%; iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) and iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) also increased.The State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor (XSD) rose 2.7%, and iShares Semiconductor (SOXX) gained 0.9%.FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF) shed 0.3%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) declined 1.1%, and its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), advanced 1.1%.CommoditiesCrude oil rose 3.5%, and the United States Oil Fund (USO) gained 3.5%. Natural gas fell 1.5%, and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) lost 0.6%.Gold on Comex eased 0.3%, and the State Street SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) fell 0.3%. Silver was down 1.4%, and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) dropped 1.3%.ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) was down 0.5%. The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) slipped 0.3%, and iShares Dow Jones US Consumer Goods (IYK) fell 0.8%.The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (XLY) was down 0.6%. VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) fell 0.5%, and the State Street SPDR S&P Retail (XRT) dropped 1.5%.HealthcareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR (XLV) declined 0.5%, iShares US Healthcare (IYH) fell 0.3%, and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) shed 0.4%. IShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was up 0.1%.IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR (XLI) fell 0.3%. Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) and iShares US Industrials (IYJ) were also lower.CryptocurrencyIn midday activity, bitcoin (BTC-USD) dipped 0.2%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO) fell 0.3%, ProShares Ether ETF (EETH) was down 0.5%, and ProShares Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) fell fractionally.

Dow Jones^EEM^EXI^FAS^FAZ^GLD^IBB^IGM^IGV^IPK^IVV^IWMNasdaq Composite^IYE^IYH^IYJ^IYK^IYW^PMR^QQQ^RTH^SOXXS&P 500^SPY^UNG^USO^VDC^VHT^VIS^XLE^XLF^XLI^XLK^XLP^XLV^XRT^XSD$BETH$BITO$EETH

Asia Markets1d ago

Swiss Stocks Snap Gains; Swisscom Shares Jump

The Swiss Market Index shed 0.23% on Thursday's close, breaking its three-day winning streak amid a fresh batch of corporate earnings reports and economy-related releases that hit the market.Swiss Re (SREN.SW) delivered a 9% annual increase in net income to $2.83 billion in the first half of 2026 on the back of double-digit growth at all three business units, with insurance service result also rising over the period, placing the reinsurer "well on track" toward achieving its 2026 financial targets. The group's insurance revenue, meanwhile, declined 3%, weighed down by the overall renewals outcome in 2025 and reduced volumes written by cedents. The stock was up 0.66% at closing.Meanwhile, Swisscom's (SCMN.SW) first-half net income climbed to 668 million francs from the year-ago 625 million francs, while revenue decreased to 7.22 billion francs from 7.45 billion francs. For 2026, the telecommunications company reaffirmed its guidance, including revenue of 14.7 billion francs to 14.9 billion francs, and reiterated its intention to propose a higher dividend for the full year. Swisscom's shares ended the trading session 4.38% higher."Swisscom reported a solid set of Q2 2026 results this morning. Revenue came in c1% ahead of consensus, EBITDAaL beat by c4% and OpFCF beat by 23% (CHF608m versus the consensus estimate of CHF496m), driven by a combination of the EBITDAaL beat and lower-than-expected capex," Berenberg analysts said in a flash note. "However, FY 2026 OpFCF guidance was left unchanged at CHF2bn. Free cash flow was slightly weaker versus consensus, due to tax and working capital effects, at CHF131m versus consensus of CHF185m, which looks like phasing to us."Other Switzerland-listed corporates that published financial results included recruitment services company Adecco Group (ADEN.SW) and Zurich Insurance Group (ZURN.SW).On the jobs front, the unemployment rate in Switzerland edged up to 3% in July from 2.9% in the previous month, government data showed. The number of unemployed people rose by 1,525 month over month to 139,276 in July.In geopolitical news, Iran said it had reached an agreement with Oman on a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, although officials said the arrangement would be temporary and would not constitute a full reopening of the waterway. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump claimed that the US still possesses "massive amounts" of munitions following media reports that its military is running low on its stockpile.

^SSMI$ADEN.SW$SCMN.SW$SREN.SW$ZURN.SW

Asia Markets1d ago

German Shares Up as Corporate Earnings Season Continues

Germany's blue-chip DAX index ended Thursday trading 0.15% in the green, as investors digested the latest wave of corporate earnings and trading updates, alongside developments on the interim deal regarding the Strait of Hormuz.Siemens (SIE.F) was among the worst performers, falling 4.56%, even after reporting fiscal third-quarter revenue and orders that topped consensus estimates. Deutsche Bank Research said the strong results may not be sufficient to drive a positive share price reaction."Most of Siemens' electrification and automation peers had already reported stronger-than-expected results, so today's beat and raise should not really come as a surprise. The absence of a guidance increase for [Digital Industries] might even be perceived negatively today. On a more positive note, the company received clarification on the tax treatment for the [spin-off] of [Siemens Healthineers (SHL.F)], which looks favorable and will allow the group to proceed with the plan," the research firm wrote. Siemens Healthineers was down 0.36% at closing.On the flip side, Deutsche Telekom (DTE.F) climbed to the top spot, gaining 6.31%, after raising its full-year 2026 free cash flow after leases outlook to 20 billion euros from the previous goal of over 19.8 billion euros as part of its first-half results. Concurrently, the German telecommunications company increased its 2026 share repurchase program by up to 3 billion euros, boosting the total to up to 5 billion euros by the end of the year.In economic news, Germany's construction slump extended in July, amid further declines in overall activity and new business. Based on the latest S&P Global survey, the Construction PMI Total Activity Index fell to a three-month low of 42.1 from 44.8 in June."Activity in the construction sector continues to be held back by a lack of demand, with the weakness showing up most notably in the housing sector but also in the commercial building space. We saw growth resume in the civil engineering activity sector in July, with this area remaining the main bright spot in an otherwise gloomy start to the third quarter," S&P Global Market Intelligence Economics Associate Director Phil Smith said.On the geopolitical front, Iran said it had reached an agreement with Oman on a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a potential step toward reopening the critical energy transit route. A joint statement is in the final drafting stage, with Tehran saying negotiations are progressing, provided third parties do not obstruct the process.

^DAX$DTE.F$SHL.F$SIE.F

Asia Markets1d ago

European Stocks Close Mixed in Thursday Trading, Investors Monitor Iran Deal Talks

The European stock markets closed mixed in Thursday trading as investors monitor news on talks aimed at reaching a peace deal in the war between the US and Iran.The Stoxx Europe rose 0.4%, Germany's DAX gained 0.1%, the FTSE 100 edged 0.1% lower, France's CAC increased 0.6%, and the Swiss Market Index declined 0.1%.In corporate news, Deutsche Bank and KBC Group have frozen some of Radiant World's bank accounts in Singapore, as pressure mounts on the commodities trader, Bloomberg reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.Some of the largest commodity-trading firms have stopped dealing with Radiant World due to concerns it gave banks falsified documents about iron ore trades, Bloomberg reported last week.Deutsche Bank declined to comment, while KBC and Radiant World did not immediately reply to requests for comment from.Shares of Deutsche Bank edged 0.1% lower in Frankfurt.Diageo reported fiscal 2026 preliminary adjusted earnings Thursday of $1.65 per basic share, up from 1.64 a year earlier.Sales for the year ended June 30 were $19.64 billion, down from $20.25 billion a year earlier.Analysts polled by FactSet expected $19.65 billion.Shares of the alcoholic beverage company advanced 5.7% in London.BP has agreed to acquire Woodside Energy's 70% stake in the Calypso gas project in Trinidad and Tobago, it said Thursday.Following the close of the transaction, which is expected by the end of the year, BP will own 100% of the early-stage, deepwater natural gas project and will assume operatorship, it said.Shares of the oil and gas major rose 0.7% in London.Rio Tinto is facing increased pressure from China after state-owned China Mineral Resources directed some steel mills to halt negotiations for iron ore shipments beyond September, Reuters reported Thursday, citing sources.According to the report, CMRG is seeking to negotiate on behalf of more than half of China's annual iron ore imports and is encouraging mills to cede their negotiation rights to the state buyer, strengthening its leverage with major suppliers.Rio Tinto and China Mineral Resources did not immediately respond to a request for comment from.Shares of Rio Tinto declined 0.7% in London.Argenx said Thursday its unit Avena Merger Sub launched a tender offer to acquire Forte Biosciences for $77 per share.The offer and withdrawal rights will expire at one minute following 11:59 pm, Eastern Time, on Aug. 26, unless extended or earlier terminated, according to a statement.Shares of Argenx increased 0.7% in Brussels.

Asia Markets1d ago

UK Shares Close Lower; EasyJet Gains on Apollo's Takeover Offer

London's FTSE 100 closed 0.14% lower on Thursday as investors assessed a fresh batch of corporate earnings and monitored signs of progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz.In the latest development, Iran said it had reached an agreement with Oman on a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, with a joint statement in the final drafting stage. Officials added that the arrangement would be temporary and would not constitute a full reopening of the waterway.In corporate news, Persimmon plc (PSN.L) jumped 3.21% after first-half profit attributable to equity holders jumped year over year to 119.8 million pounds sterling from 100 million pounds. The homebuilder's total revenue increased to 1.73 billion pounds from 1.50 billion pounds."A solid set of interim results from Persimmon, with volume growth of 13% and underlying operating profit up 10% demonstrating that its proactive self-help strategy continues to deliver in a challenging market," RBC Capital Markets said. "With FY volume guidance narrowed to the upper end of previous guidance at c.12,500, end and full-year [pretax profit] guidance in line with consensus, we expect the shares to perform well today given the H1 beat and proactive approach to cost control."On the contrary, Tritax Big Box REIT (BBOX.L) slumped 3.90% to become one of the worst performers on the blue-chip index after interim results, published after market close on Wednesday, missed consensus expectations. "EPRA [Net Tangible Assets] of 185.9p (-1% versus FY25) is 3.4% below consensus of 192.4p (December 2025: 187.8p), affected by a decline in property values and impairment in land options in the period. Adjusted EPS (excluding DMA income) of 4.41p increased by 7% yoy and is 4.6% below consensus of 4.6p," Berenberg said.EasyJet (EZJ.L) agreed to Apollo Global Management's 5.7 billion-pound-sterling takeover bid, while Castlelake said it does not intend to make an offer for the British budget airline after careful consideration. The scheme of arrangement is set to take effect by the end of the first calendar quarter of 2027. EasyJet gained 2.82% at close.On the economic front, Britain's construction sector remained in a downturn in July amid declines in residential and civil engineering activity levels. The UK Construction PMI came in at 44.7, up from 38.4 in the prior month and the consensus estimate of 40."July data suggests that the performance of UK construction sector has started to stabilise after a sharp downturn throughout the second quarter of 2026. Business activity levels continued to decline in all three main categories, but in each case the rate of contraction was much slower than in June," S&P Global Market Intelligence Economics Director Tim Moore said. "Survey respondents commented on signs of a turnaround in client demand and a revival in new tender opportunities in some cases, despite subdued underlying market conditions."

FTSE 100$BBOX.L$EZJ.L$PSN.L

Asia Markets1d ago

European Equities Traded in the US as American Depositary Receipts Track Higher in Thursday Trading

European equities traded in the US as American depositary receipts were heading higher late Thursday morning, rising 0.85% to 1,947.79 on the S&P Europe Select ADR Index.From continental Europe, the gainers were led by accommodations booking site trivago (TRVG) and pharmaceutical company Ascendis Pharma (ASND), which advanced 4.8% and 2.2% respectively. They were followed by lender Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) and internet ad firm Criteo (CRTO), which were up 1.7% and 0.9% respectively.The decliners from continental Europe were led by biotech firm BioNTech (BNTX) and internet browser company Opera (OPRA), which dropped 2.3% and 2.1% respectively. They were followed by biopharmaceutical company Cellectis (CLLS) and biotech company Evaxion (EVAX), which lost 1.8% and 1.3% respectively.The gainers from the UK were led by communications company WPP (WPP) and biotech firm Trinity Biotech (TRIB), which surged 26% and 11% respectively. They were followed by biotech company Autolus Therapeutics (AUTL) and alcoholic beverage company Diageo (DEO), which rose 5.3% and 4.4% respectively.The decliners from the UK and Ireland were led by biopharmaceutical company Biodexa Pharmaceuticals (BDRX) and medical device maker Smith & Nephew (SNN), which fell 4.4% and 1.9% respectively. They were followed by educational publisher Pearson (PSO) and biopharmaceutical company Mereo BioPharma Group (MREO), which were down 1.6% and 1.2% respectively.

$ASND$AUTL$BBVA$BDRX$BNTX$CLLS$CRTO$DEO$EVAX$MREO$OPRA$PSO$SNN$TRIB$TRVG$WPP

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Asia Markets22h ago

Update: US Equity Indexes Fall as Treasury Yields Jump With Crude Oil Ahead of Nonfarm Payrolls, Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$MSI$SPCX