Financial News · Live Terminal

Page 58 of 79

European Stocks Close Mixed Tuesday Amid Renewed Strains in US-Iran Talks

European stock closed mixed Tuesday with the Stoxx Europe 600 falling 0.6%, Germany's DAX 40 dropping 0.8%, the FTSE 100 rising 0.2%, France's CAC 40 declining 1%, and the Swiss Market Index gaining 0.2%.Tehran denounced US strikes Monday in southern Iran as a sign of "bad faith and unreliability" as peace talks continue, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.In corporate news, BP's board unanimously removed Albert Manifold as chair and director, effective immediately. "This follows serious concerns raised to the board related to important governance standards, oversight and conduct," the company said. Ian Tyler was named interim chair.Shares of the oil and gas major fell 4.6% in London.Ryanair Holdings repaid its final 1.2 billion-euro ($1.4 billion) bond, leaving the airline effectively debt free for the first time since its 1997 market listing. Chief Financial Officer Neil Sorahan said Ryanair may return to bond markets in the future as it targets 300 million annual passengers by fiscal 2034 and plans to take up to 50 Boeing MAX-10 aircraft deliveries each year from 2029.Shares of the Irish airline dropped 2% in Dublin.Fresenius Medical Care intends to launch a new share buyback program of about 1 billion euros in tranches over 12 months.Shares of Fresenius Medical Care fell 0.8% in Frankfurt.Ferrari launched a new all-electric Luce sports car. The four-door model includes four electric motors, a 122-kWh battery and an electric all-wheel drive. The starting price is 550,000 euros, according to multiple media reports.Shares of the Italian sportscar manufacturer dropped 8% in Milan.BHP Group scrapped plans for an iron ore processing facility near its Jimblebar mine in Western Australia, the Guardian reported. The proposed plant would have produced higher-grade iron ore sought by steelmakers seeking to reduce pollution, the report said.Shares of the mining company gained 2% in London.

Asia Markets118d ago

UK Equities Gain; BP Shares Fall Amid Chair Removal

British equities traded in the green on Tuesday, with the FTSE 100 closing 0.24% higher, as investors returned from Monday's Spring Bank Holiday to a handful of corporate and economic developments.BP (BP.L) was in focus after the oil major said Albert Manifold would step down as chair and director with immediate effect following board concerns over governance standards, oversight, and conduct. The company, which said the decision was unanimous, was one of the worst performers on the blue chip index, down 4.03% at close.On the flip side, Metlen Energy & Metals (MTLN.L) surged 6.46% to become the FTSE 100's top stock after the European Commission cleared its proposed joint venture with Greek electric utility Public Power Corp.Kingfisher (KGF.L) climbed 1.71% after reporting steady total sales year over year for the fiscal first quarter ended April 30 on a constant currency basis. The British home improvement retailer maintained its adjusted pretax profit guidance of 565 million pounds sterling to 625 million pounds."Kingfisher has reported a Q1 trading update today which is a shade better than consensus overall," RBC Capital Markets said. "Adjusting for calendar effects Q1 [like-for-like] of -0.7% yoy vs consensus at -0.9% yoy, with sales including marketplace +0.8% yoy. We think this should be reassuring given a later start to spring this year."Meanwhile, the UK's shop price inflation edged up to 1.2% year over year in May from 1% in April, the British Retail Consortium said. The latest reading exceeded the consensus estimate of 1.1%, driven by rising shipping and raw material costs amid the Middle East conflict."While retailers work hard to keep prices down for customers, they continue to face significant cost pressures, including higher energy bills and disruption linked to the conflict in Iran," said BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson. "Businesses cannot absorb these costs indefinitely, which risks pushing prices higher in the months ahead. To help protect households, Government should take action to reduce business costs. Reducing the non-commodity charges, taxes and levies that make up more than two-thirds of energy bills, and cutting red tape would help keep inflation down."Looking ahead, the economic calendar is light this week, with April car production due Thursday and nationwide housing prices for May due Friday.

FTSE 100$BP.L$KGF.L$MTLN.L

Asia Markets118d ago

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

European equities traded in the US as American depositary receipts were trending higher late Tuesday morning, rising 0.73% to 1,891.94 on the S&P Europe Select ADR Index.From continental Europe, the gainers were led by accommodations booking site trivago (TRVG) and telecommunications company Nokia (NOK), which rose 6.4% and 4.8% respectively. They were followed by lenders Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) and Banco Santander (SAN), which were up 4.4% and 3.8% respectively.The decliners from continental Europe were led by pharmaceutical company Ascendis Pharma (ASND) and petroleum refiner Equinor (EQNR), which fell 3% and 2% respectively. They were followed by internet advertising firm Criteo (CRTO) and pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk (NVO), which were down 1.1% and 0.2% respectively.The gainers from the UK were led by biopharmaceutical company Mereo BioPharma Group (MREO) and pharmaceutical company Silence Therapeutics (SLN), which climbed 16% and 6.3% respectively. They were followed by biotech firm Trinity Biotech (TRIB) and biopharmaceutical company Biodexa Pharmaceuticals (BDRX), which advanced 4.5% and 3.1% respectively.The decliners from the UK and Ireland were led by oil and gas company BP (BP) and biopharmaceutical company NuCana (NCNA), which dropped 5% and 2.4% respectively. They were followed by biopharmaceutical company Amarin (AMRN) and communications company WPP (WPP), which lost 1.6% and 1.5% respectively.

$AMRN$ASND$BBVA$BDRX$BP$CRTO$EQNR$MREO$NCNA$NOK$NVO$SAN$SLN$TRIB$TRVG$WPP

Asia Markets118d ago

Asian Equities Traded in the US as American Depositary Receipts Rise Sharply in Tuesday Trading

Asian equities traded in the US as American depositary receipts were up sharply Tuesday morning, rising 1.6% to 2,895.57 on the S&P Asia 50 ADR Index.From North Asia, the gainers were led by fintech firm High Templar Tech (HTT) and social media company JOYY (JOYY), which climbed 24.6% and 15.6% respectively. They were followed by online brokerage UP Fintech (TIGR) and semiconductor company ASE Technology (ASX), which increased 14% and 12% respectively.The decliners from North Asia were led by property management and tech company Eason Technology (DXF) and fintech firm J and Friends (JF), which dropped more than 15% and 9% respectively. They were followed by automotive marketplace Token Cat (TC) and brand platform 36Kr (KRKR), which fell 5.8% and 3.6% respectively.From South Asia, the gainers were tech conglomerate Sea (SE) and telecommunications operator Telekomunikasi Indonesia (TLK), which rose 2.8% and 2.3% respectively. They were followed by lender ICICI Bank (IBN) and pharmaceutical company Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (RDY), which were up more than 1% each.The decliners from South Asia were IT firm Infosys (INFY) and fintech company Trident Digital Tech (TDTH), which fell 3% and 1.9% respectively.

$ASX$DXF$HTT$IBN$INFY$JF$JOYY$KRKR$RDY$SE$TC$TDTH$TIGR$TLK

Asia Markets118d ago

Progress on Potential Middle East Peace Agreement Drives US Equity Futures Higher Pre-Bell

US equity futures were edging higher pre-bell Tuesday as traders monitored the US-Iran situation for a potential peace agreement to end the Middle East war.Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were 0.5% higher, S&P 500 futures were up 0.7%, and Nasdaq futures were 1.1% higher.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that negotiations could "take a few days." Both sides said they have made progress on a potential memorandum of understanding that would end the war and provide 60 days for negotiators to reach a final deal.The framework of the memorandum is focused on halting the war and the US naval blockade in exchange for Iran ensuring safe transit in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.Traders observed the latest round of earnings, with AutoZone (AZO) reporting an increase in fiscal Q3 net income and net sales.Oil prices were mixed, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude up 3% at $96.22 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 3.9% lower at $92.84 per barrel.The Chicago Federal Reserve Bank's monthly National Activity Index rebounded to a reading of 0.14 in April from negative 0.15 in March, compared with expectations for a smaller gain to negative 0.03 in survey of analysts compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:30 am ET.The March S&P Case-Shiller home price index is scheduled for release at 9 am ET. The May consumer confidence index, due at 10 am ET, is projected to fall to 92.0 from 92.8.In other world markets, Japan's Nikkei closed 0.3% lower, Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended flat, and China's Shanghai Composite finished 0.2% lower. Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 was up 0.5% and Germany's DAX index was 0.4% lower in Europe's early afternoon session.In equities, Eli Lilly (LLY) shares were up 1.2% after the company said its experimental gene-editing therapy, VERVE-102, reduced LDL cholesterol and PCSK9 protein levels in a phase 1 study involving adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or premature coronary artery disease. BHP Group (BHP) stock was 1.4% higher after a Guardian report that the company scrapped plans for an iron ore processing facility near its Jimblebar mine in Western Australia that was expected to improve ore quality and lower emissions.On the losing side, energy majors ExxonMobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) saw their shares decline after oil prices fell below $100 for the first time in weeks. ExxonMobil shares were down 1.1%, Chevron stock was 1.2% lower, and Occidental Petroleum shares also fell 1.2%.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$AZO$BHP$CVX$LLY$OXY$XOM

Asia Markets118d ago

European Bourses Mixed Midday as Markets Monitor Middle East Conflict

European bourses were mixed around midday Tuesday as investors continue to monitor tensions in the Middle East after new US military strikes on Iran.Wall Street futures were advancing premarket, while major Asian markets closed the day in the red.In regional news, the Confederation of British Industry distributive trade survey's retail sales balance improved to -46% in May from -68% in the prior month, according to published data.Export expectations in Germany weakened further this month, as the industry outlook "remains challenging" amid ongoing geopolitical instability, the ifo Institute said.Producer prices in Spain jumped 8.3% year over year in April, following a revised 3.1% increase the month prior, data from the National Statistics Institute showed.The pan-continental Stoxx Europe 600 Index was down 0.2%.The Stoxx Europe 600 Technology Index fell by 1.1%, while the Stoxx 600 Banks Index was 0.3% higher.The Stoxx Europe 600 Oil and Gas Index declined by 0.2% and the Stoxx 600 Europe Food and Beverage Index was down 0.1%.The REITE, a European REIT index, advanced by 0.5%.On the national market indexes, Germany's DAX was down 0.5%, and the FTSE 100 in London was 0.6% higher. The CAC 40 in Paris was off 0.9%, and Spain's IBEX 35 was marginally advancing.Yields on benchmark 10-year German bonds were little changed.Front-month North Sea Brent crude-oil futures were 2.6% higher at $98.59 per barrel.The Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index was down 0.4% to 19.77. A reading above 20 indicates choppier markets ahead, while below 20 suggests calmer exchanges.

^SXXP

Asia Markets118d ago

Indian Equities Fall as Rising Oil Prices and Global Uncertainty Weigh on Sentiment

Indian benchmark indices closed lower on Tuesday, snapping a two-session winning streak, as weak global cues and a rise in crude oil prices triggered profit booking.The BSE Sensex declined 479.26 points, or 0.6%, to close at 76,009.70, while the NSE Nifty 50 fell 118.00 points, or 0.5%, to settle at 23,913.70.Market sentiment remained cautious after U.S. strikes on Iran reduced expectations of a near-term peace agreement. Reports of military activity in southern Iran pushed crude oil prices higher and added pressure on the Indian rupee.In earnings news, Marksans Pharma (NSE:MARKSANS, BOM:524404) surged 16% after fiscal fourth-quarter consolidated net profit rose to 1.48 billion rupees from 905.5 million rupees a year earlier. Revenue from operations increased to 8.56 billion rupees from 7.08 billion rupees.Adani Green Energy (NSE:ADANIGREEN, BOM:541450) gained over 3% after the company said its step-down subsidiaries operationalized battery energy storage system projects and a solar energy project in Gujarat, India.

^BSENifty 50BOM:524404BOM:541450NSE:ADANIGREENNSE:MARKSANS

Asia Markets118d ago

Major Asian Stock Markets Fall Amid Renewed Middle East Tensions

Major Asian stock markets closed lower Tuesday as new US military strikes on Iran dampened optimism over a possible peace deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 closed down 162.10 points, or 0.3%, at 64,996.09.Top gainers included SoftBank Group, which jumped nearly 11%, and Taiyo Yuden, with a 7.9% increase. Among the bottom performers are Archion and Chugai Pharmaceutical, falling by 8.7% and 6.5% respectively.In economic news, Japan slipped behind China to become the world's third largest creditor nation last year even as it set a new all-time record for its tally of overseas assets, Bloomberg News reported, citing finance ministry data.Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index lost 6.58 points, closing with a slight decline to 25,599.45. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 1.6% on the day.Leading the upside was Lenovo Group, up 16%, while WH Group lost 5.1%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.2, or 7.2 points, to finish Tuesday's trade at 4,145.37.On the other regional exchanges, the S. Korean KOSPI rose 2.6%; the Taiwan TWSE declined 0.3%; the Australian ASX 200 fell by 0.4%; and the Singapore Straits Times Index was down 0.8%.MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index advanced by 0.2%.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite

Asia Markets118d ago

US Equity Investors to Focus on Iran War Resolution as Inflation Takes Center Stage While Q1 Earnings Wind Down

US equity investors will monitor closely ongoing talks in the Middle East to end the Iran war, as continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz fuels inflation concerns and Q1 earnings begin to wind down.* The US military carried out what it called "self-defense strikes" targeting Iranian missile launch sites and boats around the Strait of Hormuz, CNN reported Tuesday.* The strikes came hours after Iranian negotiators met with Qatari mediators in Doha for talks in coordination with the US, CNN reported. The US and Iran are working toward a "memorandum of understanding," but disputes over language concerning Iran's nuclear program and sanctions have held up a deal, the news report said.* Investors will watch out for the personal consumption expenditures price index this week, shortened by the Memorial Day holiday. Other indicators include initial jobless claims, the Consumer Board's consumer confidence index, and the preliminary read on Q1 gross domestic product growth.* Investors will look out for the views of Fed officials on the speaking circuit this week, including Fed Vice Chairs Michelle Bowman and Philip Jefferson, Fed Board Member Lisa Cook, New York Fed President John Williams, Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, and Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson.* "Bonds have cheapened partly because markets have pivoted toward pricing Fed rate hikes," a Scotiabank note said Friday, referring to the surge in the 30-year to its highest since 2007. "A little over a quarter point of rate hikes is priced into year-end and early next year compared to early March when markets were leaning toward pricing 50--75bps of cuts."* Quarterly earnings due this week include AutoZone (AZO), Marvell Technology (MRVL), Salesforce (CRM), and Costco Wholesale (COST). S&P 500 earnings have soared by about 29% year-over-year, versus almost 13% set out as of March 31, based on over quarterly results from about 95% firms that have reported, a DA Davidson note said on Friday.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$AZO$COST$CRM$MRVL

Asia Markets119d ago

Germany's DAX Extends Rally on US-Iran Deal Hopes; Delivery Hero Jumps

The German blue-chip DAX index extended its gains at the start of a new trading week, closing 2.01% higher on Monday, buoyed by US-Iran deal optimism.Speaking in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baqai acknowledged media reports of progress in talks with the US, saying the parties have "reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion," but cautioned that an agreement is not "imminent." Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a similar cautionary statement in New Delhi, India, telling reporters not to "read too much into it." Rubio's comments followed US President Donald Trump's directive to negotiators not to rush the process."We've been at this stage before, only for talks to break down. Therefore, the market will likely be more cautious about overreacting to these headlines. There also appears to have been some tempering of optimism. Trump has since said he's in no 'rush' for a deal and that it 'isn't even fully negotiated yet'. The US suggests that any final deal could take several days. Meanwhile, local Iranian media claims that the US is still blocking some key Iranian demands. Obviously, the big unknown is how the US and Iran will resolve their differences on Iran's nuclear programme," ING analysts said.Still, the news of a potential deal sent oil prices lower, with the Brent crude futures down nearly 6% to $98 a barrel, which in turn fueled a rally in the European travel and leisure sector. Aircraft engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines (MTX.F) was DAX's top-performing stock at 6.11% in the green, while Airbus' (AIR.F) German stock gained 2.79%.Back in Europe, market watchers are awaiting key data this week, including the euro area's latest consumer confidence report on Thursday and preliminary May inflation print in Germany and the wider eurozone due on Friday. Germany's April import prices and May unemployment figures will also be released on Friday.In corporate news, Delivery Hero (DHER.F) surged 11.94% on Xetra, after London's Financial Times reported that Uber is considering raising its takeover offer for the German online food delivery company. Citing three people familiar with the matter, the report noted that Uber's board discussed a higher offer after a major shareholder rejected a 38-euro-per-share bid, equivalent to a valuation of more than 11.5 billion euros. Delivery Hero confirmed a baseline proposal of 33 euros per share in a May 23 release.

^DAX$AIR.F$DHER.F$MTX.F

Asia Markets119d ago

UAE Shares Close Higher Ahead of Eid Holidays as US-Iran Deal Hopes Lift Sentiment

Stocks in the United Arab Emirates are heading into the holidays on a positive note, buoyed by optimism of a potential agreement between the US and Iran.At the close of Monday trading, the FTSE ADX General Index added 0.453%, while the DFM General Index was up 1.136%. The bourses will remain closed from Tuesday until Friday in observance of Eid Al Adha holidays.US President Donald Trump said in a social media post that talks with Iran are moving forward in an "orderly and constructive" manner and that he directed his representatives not to rush into a deal. Trump also stated that the Strait of Hormuz blockade will remain in place until an agreement is signed.Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that a framework was reached with the US on certain issues, but it does not mean that a deal is imminent."We've been at this stage before, only for talks to break down. Therefore, the market will likely be more cautious about overreacting to these headlines," ING said. "The US suggests that any final deal could take several days. Meanwhile, local Iranian media claims that the US is still blocking some key Iranian demands. Obviously, the big unknown is how the US and Iran will resolve their differences on Iran's nuclear programme."Back home, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co, or Adnoc, was reportedly involved in the transport of oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz by switching off its vessels' transponders, Bloomberg News reported.Amid a quiet day on the corporate side, FAB Securities reiterated Adnoc Gas' (ADX:ADNOCGAS) buy rating with a price target of 4.30 Emirati dirhams after the natural gas distribution company's decline in its first-quarter net attributable profit exceeded the financial services firm's estimate. Its shares closed the session 2.39% higher.Over in Dubai, Sukoon Insurance (DFM:SUKOON) launched a new platform enabling its customers to navigate products and access claims information in a matter of minutes. Shares of the insurance company ended the session flat when it last traded on April 21.

^DFMGI^FADGIADX:ADNOCGASDFM:SUKOON

Asia Markets122d ago

US Equity Indexes Rise, Crude Oil Off Session Highs as Iran Peace Talks Press Ahead

US equity indexes rose as pressure on government bond yields eased and crude oil retreated from intraday highs amid intense diplomacy to reach a deal with Iran.The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.2% to 26,343.97, with the S&P 500 up 0.4% to 7,473.47 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average higher by 0.6% to 50,579.70. The Dow hit an all-time high of 50,830.24, according to data compiled by CNBC.Iran said peace negotiations with the US face "deep and significant" differences, and it's difficult to say if a deal can be reached over the next "weeks or months," Al Jazeera reported Friday.A Qatari negotiating team arrived in Tehran on Friday in coordination with the US to help secure a deal to end the war, Reuters reported, citing a source with knowledge of the matter. Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir is headed to Tehran to help mediate a settlement, Al Jazeera reported Friday.While there are "good signs" that an agreement to end the conflict is in sight, any deal would be "unfeasible" if Iran pursues measures to permanently control the Strait of Hormuz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday, according to CNBC. The US plans to seize Tehran's stockpile of enriched uranium as part of peace negotiations, President Donald Trump reportedly said Thursday.West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures rose 0.1% to $96.44, and Brent crude futures climbed 0.9% to $103.54. The WTI and Brent futures traded more than 3% higher earlier in the day.US Treasury yields were mixed, with the 10-year down 2.6 basis points to 4.56% and the 30-year down 4.7 basis points to 5.06%. The two-year yield, however, rose 3.6 basis points to 4.12%.In economic news, the Conference Board's measure of leading indicators rose by 0.1% in April following a 0.6% decrease in March.The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index was revised down to 44.8 for May from a preliminary reading of 48.2, compared with expectations for no revision in a Bloomberg-compiled survey and a drop from the final 49.8 in April.Respondents in the Michigan survey expected a 4.8% inflation rate over the next year and 3.9% annual inflation over the next five years, up from 4.7% and 3.5%, respectively, in April.In company news, Dell Technologies (DELL) shares jumped 17%, the top gainer on the S&P 500, after Wells Fargo raised its price target to $270 from $180.Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO) reported a narrower fiscal Q4 net loss as revenue increased. MoffettNathanson adjusted its price target on the company's shares to $196 from $206 while maintaining its neutral rating. Take-Two shares slumped 4.4%, the second-steepest decline on the Nasdaq.Merck (MRK) said Friday the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has recommended the approval of Keytruda, in combination with Padcev, to treat a type of bladder cancer. Shares of Merck jumped 5.6%, the Dow's top performer.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$DELL$MRK$TTWO

Asia Markets122d ago

US Equity Indexes Rise This Week as Crude Oil Drops Amid Hopes of Iran Peace Deal

US equity indexes rose this week after crude oil prices declined and Iran peace talks progressed, helping restrain a surge in government bond yields.* The S&P 500 closed at 7,473.47 on Friday versus 7,408.50 a week ago. The Nasdaq Composite stood at 26,343.97, compared with 26,225.15 a week earlier. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended at 50,579.70, versus 49,526.17 at the end of last week.* Utilities, health care, and real estate led the gainers this week, according to data compiled by Finviz. The communication services sector was the steepest decliner.* A Qatari negotiating team arrived in Tehran on Friday in coordination with the US to help secure a deal to end the war, Reuters reported, citing a source with knowledge of the matter. Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir is headed to Tehran to help mediate a settlement, Al Jazeera reported Friday.* While there are "good signs" that an agreement to end the conflict is in sight, any deal would be "unfeasible" if Iran pursues measures to permanently control the Strait of Hormuz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday, according to CNBC. The US plans to seize Tehran's stockpile of enriched uranium as part of peace negotiations, President Donald Trump reportedly said Thursday.* West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures traded below $96 a barrel after having started this week at around $107.* The US 30-year Treasury yield, which climbed to as high as 5.18% on Wednesday, the highest since the global financial crisis, traded at around 5.06% on Friday. Similarly, the 10-year yield retreated from its strongest level since January 2025 of 4.67%, headed for a close at around 4.56% on Friday.* A majority of FOMC participants appear to be leaning away from rate cuts for now and were open to the possibility of rate increases, minutes of the April 28-29 meeting released Wednesday showed.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500

Asia Markets122d ago

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) gained 0.9%.US equity indexes rose as pressure on government bond yields eased and crude oil retreated from intraday highs amid progress in Iran peace talks.EnergyIShares US Energy ETF (IYE) and the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE) each added about 0.2%.TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) was 1.6% higher; iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) added 1.4%, and iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was up 1.3%.The State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor (XSD) gained 4.6%, and iShares Semiconductor (SOXX) was up 3.2%.FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF) rose 0.6%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) climbed 1.6%, and its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), declined 1.6%.CommoditiesCrude oil rose 0.5%, and the United States Oil Fund (USO) slipped 0.9%. Natural gas dropped 3.7%, and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was down 3.4%.Gold on Comex slipped 0.5% and the State Street SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) shed 0.5%. Silver fell 0.7%, and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) dipped 1%.ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) rose 0.1%. The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) fell 0.1%, and iShares Dow Jones US Consumer Goods (IYK) was up 0.4%.The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (XLY) gained 0.5%. VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) fell fractionally, and the State Street SPDR S&P Retail (XRT) rose 0.4%.HealthcarThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR (XLV) gained 1.1%, iShares US Healthcare (IYH) added 1.1%, and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) was up 1%. IShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) rose 0.2%.IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR (XLI) rose 1%. Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) and iShares US Industrials (IYJ) were also higher.CryptocurrencyIn midday activity, bitcoin (BTC-USD) fell 1%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO) dipped 0.9%, ProShares Ether ETF (EETH) was down 0.9%, and ProShares Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) was 1% lower.

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 Markets122d ago

US Equity Indexes Rise as Momentum Builds to Secure Iran Peace Agreement

US equity indexes rose as pressure on government bond yields eased and crude oil retreated from intraday highs amid progress in Iran peace talks.The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.5% to 26,423.4, with the S&P 500 up 0.6% to 7,488.2 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average higher by 0.8% to 50,709.3 in Friday's midday trading. The Dow hit an all-time high of 50,746.25, according to data compiled by CNBC.A Qatari negotiating team arrived in Tehran on Friday in coordination with the US to help secure a deal to end the war, Reuters reported, citing a source with knowledge of the matter. Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir is headed to Tehran to help mediate a settlement, Al Jazeera reported Friday.While there are "good signs" that an agreement to end the conflict is in sight, any deal would be "unfeasible" if Iran pursues measures to permanently control the Strait of Hormuz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday, according to CNBC. The US plans to seize Tehran's stockpile of enriched uranium as part of peace negotiations, President Donald Trump reportedly said Thursday.West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures rose 0.8% to $97.19, and Brent crude futures climbed 1.1% to $103.65. The WTI and Brent futures traded more than 3% higher earlier in the day.US Treasury yields were mixed, with the 10-year down 1.6 basis points to 4.57% and the 30-year down 3.4 basis points to 5.08%. The two-year yield, however, rose 3.8 basis points to 4.13%.In economic news, the Conference Board's measure of leading indicators rose by 0.1% in April following a 0.6% decrease in March."Strong investment in AI infrastructure, data centers, and energy production likely will have a positive impact on growth and sustain business spending but may only partially offset weakness on the consumer side," said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, Senior Manager for Business Cycle Indicators.The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index was revised down to 44.8 for May from 48.2 preliminary, compared with expectations for no revision in a Bloomberg-compiled survey and a drop from the final 49.8 in April. Respondents expected a 4.8% inflation rate over the next year and 3.9% annual inflation over the next five years, up from 4.7% and 3.5%, respectively, in April."Consumer sentiment fell for the third straight month as supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to boost gasoline prices," Michigan said.In company news, Dell Technologies (DELL) shares jumped 17%, the top gainer on the S&P 500, after Wells Fargo raised its price target to $270 from $180.Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO) reported a narrower fiscal Q4 net loss as revenue increased. MoffettNathanson adjusted its price target on the company's shares to $196 from $206 while maintaining its neutral rating. Take-Two shares slumped 4.3%, the steepest decline on the Nasdaq.Merck (MRK) said Friday the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has recommended the approval of Keytruda, in combination with Padcev, to treat a type of bladder cancer. Shares of Merck jumped 5.4%, the Dow's top performer.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$DELL$MRK$TTWO

Asia Markets122d ago

DAX Index Jumps Amid Upbeat German Economic Data

The blue-chip DAX index ended the trading week in the green, closing 1.15% higher on Friday, following an improvement in German economic growth and business and consumer confidence metrics.Final data from Destatis showed that Germany's gross domestic product ticked up 0.3% in the first quarter, following a 0.2% uptick in the previous three-month period. Federal Statistical Office President Ruth Brand noted exports "rose considerably" at the beginning of the year, bolstering the country's economic performance.Concurrently, the ifo Institute's business climate indicator stood at 84.9 points in May, up from April's revised 84.5 points and the expected 84.2 points. The expectations indicator ticked up to 83.8 points from the revised 83.5 points, while the current conditions index rose to 86.1 points from 85.4 points.ING noted that the stronger-than-expected first-quarter growth data offered some relief for the economy, but warned that business sentiment remained weak. "While German companies seem to have recovered somewhat from the first shock, the absolute level of the Ifo index remains weak. Yesterday, the latest PMI data already showed a high risk of the economy falling into contraction in the second quarter."Meanwhile, German consumer sentiment is expected to moderately improve in June, with the GfK consumer climate indicator up to -29.8 points from the revised -33.1 points in May. The reading, which compares with the consensus estimate of -33.7 points, reflects a "noticeably more positive" outlook for income expectations among German consumers, even as their willingness to buy remains muted.In corporate news, Deutsche Bank Research upgraded Deutsche Post (DHL.F), d/b/a DHL Group, to buy from hold and raised its price target to 56 euros from 48 euros, noting the strength of its DHL Express business."In an uncertain macro/geo-political backdrop, DHL benefits from: (i) self-help (delivery of fit for-growth savings EUR1bn); (ii) a well-invested network, esp. in DHL Express (market-leading positions); and (iii) superior pricing power given near-term pressures in global supply chain and structurally higher complexity. We see an end to the earnings d/g cycle, and mgmt. guide for c. EUR3bn [free cash flow] in 2026 underpinned," the research firm wrote. The German logistics company was one of the session's best performers, climbing 4.11%.German sportswear companies adidas AG (ADS.F) and Puma (PUM.F) were up 3% and 5.50%, respectively, on Xetra, bolstered by the better-than-expected fiscal 2026 results from Hoka-owner Deckers Outdoor.

^DAX$ADS.F$DHL.F$PUM.F

Asia Markets122d ago

Swiss Market Index Ends Week in Green Amid Major Corporate Earnings

The Swiss Market Index extended its growth streak to Friday, closing 0.42% higher, amid the release of earnings from two corporate majors.Compagnie Financière Richemont's (CFR.SW) attributable profit for the 12 months ended March 31 climbed to 3.48 billion euros from 2.75 billion euros, while its revenue rose to 22.42 billion euros from 21.40 billion euros. The Swiss luxury goods giant fell 0.57% at close."Richemont delivered again on the top line in 4Q but the gross margin pressures from gold and FX are still weighing on investor sentiment," Deutsche Bank Research said. "Overall a good exit rate in 4Q supported by the special dividend and although the EBIT was a slight miss if we add back the (Euro)164m of impairment charges and write downs this was a small beat."In other corporate news, Julius Bär Gruppe's (BAER.SW) assets under management in the first four months of 2026 increased to a record 528 billion francs from 467 billion francs a year ago. Looking ahead, the Swiss private banking group expects its IFRS net profit for the first half to be "substantially higher" than the previous year. The shares dropped 6.93%."While the [gross margin] was exceptionally strong based on high activity levels, this is not sustainable according to JB and the continued headwind to [net new money] from its risk review (but also heightened market uncertainty) is disappointing. JB made progress on its cost income ratio but to a large extent this is based on the stronger top line," according to RBC Capital Markets. The stock is rated outperform, with a price target of 72 francs.In geopolitical developments, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Pakistan's Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran on Friday to discuss proposals to end the war, according to Iranian media reports. The talks came as Tehran and Washington continued negotiations over Iran's uranium stockpile and control of the Strait of Hormuz, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying there had been "some good signs" in recent discussions, Reuters reported.Back home and on the economic front, Switzerland's calendar was empty for the day, while the CS-CFA Society economic sentiment index and KOF leading indicators for May, as well as nonfarm payrolls for the first quarter, are on next week's agenda.The SIX Swiss Exchange will be closed May 25 for the Whit Monday public holiday, with trading to resume on May 26.

^SSMI$BAER.SW$CFR.SW

Asia Markets122d ago

European Stocks Close Higher Friday; German Q1 GDP Increases, Semiconductor Shares Gain

European stock markets closed higher Friday as the Stoxx Europe 600 rose 0.7%, Germany's DAX 40 climbed 1.2%, the FTSE 100 gained 0.2%, and France's CAC 40 and the Swiss Market Index each advanced 0.4%.Semiconductor stocks rallied on the continent as Infineon rose 8% in Frankfurt, STMicroelectronics gained 4.7% in Paris, and ASML increased 4.5% in Amsterdam.In Germany, gross domestic product expanded 0.3% in Q1 from the previous quarter, according to Destatis, the Federal Statistical Office."Following the slight growth at the end of 2025, the German economy also got off to a positive start in 2026," Destatis President Ruth Brand said in a statement. "Exports, in particular, rose significantly at the beginning of the year and supported economic output."In corporate news, Novo Nordisk received the European Medicines Agency's recommendation for the extension of Wegovy's marketing authorization to include its oral formulation for weight management. Additionally, Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro are being linked to better cancer outcomes in four new studies, the Wall Street Journal reported.Novo Nordisk shares rose 1.7% in Copenhagen.TotalEnergies is considering selling a 50% stake in a portfolio of European renewable energy assets in a deal that could be worth several hundred million euros, Bloomberg reported.Shares of the French oil and gas company dropped 1.9% in Paris.AstraZeneca's Etcamah received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use to treat ER-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in patients with ESR1 gene mutations.Shares of the British pharmaceutical company fell 0.8% in London.UBS said Thursday it expects the voluntary review of historic World War II operations at Credit Suisse to conclude by the end of the year.Shares of the Swiss bank eased 0.1% in Zurich.Manchester United signed men's first-team head coach Michael Carrick to a new contract running through 2028.Shares of the English soccer club rose 2% in London.

Asia Markets122d ago

FTSE 100 Closes Week Upbeat; AstraZeneca Sees Oncology Approval Progress

London's FTSE 100 ended the trading week 0.22% in the green as investors assessed the latest retail sales and borrowing data.UK retail sales fell 1.3% month over month in April, following a revised 0.6% rise in March, data from the Office for National Statistics showed. The decline was larger than the 0.6% fall expected by analysts."April 2026 will be remembered as the first month that the impact of the Middle East conflict first hit British consumers. We already saw consumer sentiment fall at its fastest rate for four years, and we now have evidence that this translated into shoppers buying less in stores," PwC UK head of retail Jacqueline Windsor said. "Overall, while retailers will be disappointed, April's performance was somewhat expected after a better than expected March, and against strong comparatives from this time last year."Also from the ONS, the country's borrowing reached 24.3 billion pounds sterling in April, 3.4 billion pounds more than the forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility.In other economic news, GfK's consumer confidence index improved by two points to -23 in May, with four measures rising and one down."Consumers appear to be in a more generous mood in May, with a two-point increase in the headline score and improving perceptions of both personal finances and the wider economy," GfK consumer insights director Neil Bellamy said. "Inflation may have fallen in April, but with price pressures expected to rise again and continued uncertainty around interest rates, it's unlikely May marks the beginning of a sustained improvement."On the corporate front, AstraZeneca (AZN.L) was down 0.64% on Friday's close as its cancer drugs were recommended for approval in the European Union. The first recommendation involved the drugmaker's camizestrant in combination with a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor for adults with breast cancer, while the second concerns Enhertu, co-developed with Daiichi Sankyo, for patients with previously treated HER2-positive metastatic solid tumors.AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's Datroway also secured approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who are not PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor candidates.

FTSE 100$AZN.L

Asia Markets122d ago

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

European equities traded in the US as American depositary receipts were trending slightly higher late Friday morning, edging up 0.11% to 1,880.31 on the S&P Europe Select ADR Index, which has surged 3% for the week so far.From continental Europe, the gainers were led by telecommunications company Nokia (NOK) and semiconductor company Sequans Communications (SQNS), which climbed 8.1% and 2.7% respectively. They were followed by furniture maker Natuzzi (NTZ) and telecommunications company Ericsson (ERIC), which increased 3.1% and 1.9% respectively.The decliners from continental Europe were led by oil and gas company Eni (E) and lender Banco Santander (SAN), which dropped 2.3% and 1.6% respectively. They were followed by biopharmaceutical company Grifols (GRFS) and lender Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), which lost 1.4% and 0.9% respectively.The gainers from the UK were led by biopharmaceutical companies Akari Therapeutics (AKTX) and Mereo BioPharma (MREO), which advanced 73% and 6.7% respectively. They were followed by biotech firm Autolus Therapeutics (AUTL) and biopharmaceutical company Bicycle Therapeutics (BCYC), which were up 3.6% and 1.1% respectively.The decliners from the UK and Ireland were led by biopharmaceutical company Biodexa Pharmaceuticals (BDRX) and biotech firm Trinity Biotech (TRIB), which fell 3.1% and 2.4% respectively. They were followed by insurance company Prudential (PUK) and pharmaceutical company Silence Therapeutics (SLN), which were down 1.7% and 0.2% respectively.

$AKTX$AUTL$BBVA$BCYC$BDRX$E$ERIC$GRFS$MREO$NOK$NTZ$PUK$SAN$SLN$SQNS$TRIB

Showing 1141-1160 of 1576

Asia Markets122d ago

US Equity Indexes Rise as Momentum Builds to Secure Iran Peace Agreement

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$DELL$MRK$TTWO