What's Affecting Markets Today
Asian markets mixed
Asia-Pacific markets experienced mixed trading on Wednesday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined by 0.58%, while South Korea’s Kospi edged up 0.07%. The Reuters Tankan non-manufacturing index showed a slight improvement in business sentiment, rising to +26. Japan is set to release its April trade data and March machinery orders.
In the U.S., all three major indices closed in positive territory. The Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.22% to 16,832.62, the S&P 500 gained 0.25% to close at 5,321.41, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.17% to 39,872.99. Investors are focused on Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report, which has driven recent market enthusiasm.
New Zealand’s S&P/NZX 50 climbed 0.5% after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand maintained the official cash rate at 5.5% for the seventh consecutive time. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.42% in early trading, and the CSI 300 increased by 0.1%.
ASX Stocks
ASX 200 - 7,856.7 (+0.1%)
Key Highlights:
Leaders
WEB Webjet Ltd 8.24%
TNE Technology One Ltd 8.06%
RSG Resolute Mining Ltd 7.92%
VUL Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd 6.67%
GQG GQG Partners Inc 6.33%
Laggards
APE Eagers Automotive Ltd -13.29%
ING Inghams Group Ltd -10.73%
360 LIFE360 Inc -4.89%
GEM G8 Education Ltd -3.66%
IFL Insignia Financial Ltd -3.63%
