Monday 12th May 2025: Asia Stocks Rise on Trade Deal Hopes

Global Markets:

•  Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei up 1.24%, Shanghai Composite down 0.2%, Hang Seng down 0.162% ASX up 0.41%
• Commodities : Gold at $3312.35 (0.29%), Silver at $32.58 (0.09%), Brent Oil at $63.8 (0.29%), WTI Oil at $60.47 (0.29%)
• Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.365, UK 10-year yield at 4.5485, Germany 10-year yield at 2.5175

News & Data:

• (CAD) Unemployment Rate  6.9%  to 6.8%  expected
• (CAD) Employment Change  7.4K  to 4.1K  expected

Markets Update:

Asia-Pacific markets climbed on Monday following the White House’s announcement of a “trade deal” with China, though specific details were not disclosed. Both sides indicated a positive outcome from the high-stakes negotiations. U.S. officials highlighted a deal aimed at reducing the trade deficit, while Chinese leaders said an “important consensus” was reached. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the discussions “productive,” and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said a joint statement with “good news for the world” would be released.

Indian markets led regional gains after a tentative ceasefire with Pakistan held over the weekend, following the worst cross-border clashes in nearly 30 years. The Nifty 50 surged 2.29% and the BSE Sensex jumped 2.27%.

Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.88%, and China’s CSI 300 added 0.61%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.17%, while the Topix fell 0.21%. South Korea’s Kospi edged up 0.49%, and the Kosdaq added 0.12%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.17%.

U.S. futures rose as investors awaited further clarity on the trade deal. This follows losses on Wall Street Friday, with the Dow down 0.29%, the S&P 500 easing 0.07%, and the Nasdaq ending mostly flat.

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