Market Update
China Stocks Lacked Direction and Precious Metals Advanced Amid Rising Global Tensions
Li Chen
26 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Markets in China and Hong Kong wavered in Monday's trading as investors rotated away from U.S. dollar-denominated assets.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.01%, and the CSI 300 Index inched up 0.3% amid rising geopolitical tensions and elevated trade frictions.
Canada's prime minister Mark Carney clarified that the North American nation has no plans to pursue a free trade deal with China, highlighting that the recent agreement only lowers tariffs on select goods.
Last weekend, the U.S. president threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if such a deal proceeded.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters.
Gold crossed $5,000 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 17% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 44%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.01% to 26,773.37, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index added 0.3% to 4,715.12.
Zijin Mining Group increased 5.4% to HK $42.58, Zijin Gold International advanced 2.2% to HK $210.80, and Laopu Gold jumped 7% to HK $845.0.
China Stocks Lacked Direction and Precious Metals Advanced Amid Rising Global Tensions
Li Chen
26 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Markets in China and Hong Kong wavered in Monday's trading as investors rotated away from U.S. dollar-denominated assets.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.01%, and the CSI 300 Index inched up 0.3% amid rising geopolitical tensions and elevated trade frictions.
Canada's prime minister Mark Carney clarified that the North American nation has no plans to pursue a free trade deal with China, highlighting that the recent agreement only lowers tariffs on select goods.
Last weekend, the U.S. president threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if such a deal proceeded.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters.
Gold crossed $5,000 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 17% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 44%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.01% to 26,773.37, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index added 0.3% to 4,715.12.
Zijin Mining Group increased 5.4% to HK $42.58, Zijin Gold International advanced 2.2% to HK $210.80, and Laopu Gold jumped 7% to HK $845.0.
Global Tensions Drives Precious Metals Higher In Asia, China Stocks Lacks Direction
Li Chen
26 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Markets in China and Hong Kong wavered in Monday's trading as investors rotated away from U.S. dollar-denominated assets.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.01%, and the CSI 300 Index inched up 0.3% amid rising geopolitical tensions and elevated trade frictions.
Canada's prime minister Mark Carney clarified that the North American nation has no plans to pursue a free trade deal with China, highlighting that the recent agreement only lowers tariffs on select goods.
Last weekend, the U.S. president threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if such a deal proceeded.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters.
Gold crossed $5,000 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 17% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 44%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.01% to 26,773.37, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index added 0.3% to 4,715.12.
Zijin Mining Group increased 5.4% to HK $42.58, Zijin Gold International advanced 2.2% to HK $210.80, and Laopu Gold jumped 7% to HK $845.0.
Precious Metals and China Stocks In Focus Amid Ris
Li Chen
26 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Markets in China and Hong Kong wavered in Monday's trading as investors rotated away from U.S. dollar-denominated assets.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.01%, and the CSI 300 Index inched up 0.3% amid rising geopolitical tensions and elevated trade frictions.
Canada's prime minister Mark Carney clarified that the North American nation has no plans to pursue a free trade deal with China, highlighting that the recent agreement only lowers tariffs on select goods.
Last weekend, the U.S. president threatened a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if such a deal proceeded.
Rising U.S.-Iran tensions and friction between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland's sovereignty also contributed to market jitters.
Gold crossed $5,000 an ounce and extended 2026's rise to 17% as investors worried about a possible U.S. government shutdown and persistent rise in federal government debt.
The safe haven and investment demand drove silver to a record high of $108 an ounce and extended this year's gains to 44%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.01% to 26,773.37, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index added 0.3% to 4,715.12.
Zijin Mining Group increased 5.4% to HK $42.58, Zijin Gold International advanced 2.2% to HK $210.80, and Laopu Gold jumped 7% to HK $845.0.
Wall Street Indexes Attempted to Erase Weekly Losses Amid Unresolved Trade Frictions
Barry Adams
23 Jan, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street edged higher for the second consecutive session on Friday, and investors shifted their focus to corporate results.
The S&P 500 index increased 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.2% amid easing geopolitical tensions.
After a tumultuous week of trading, benchmark indexes are set to extend weekly losses to more than 0.3% amid persistent worries about the U.S. federal government debt and the chaotic trade policy of the Trump administration.
Gold and silver continued to hover near record highs as the U.S. prepares to carry out additional attacks targeting Iran's nuclear capabilities.
U.S. Movers
Capital One Financial decreased 2.5% to $228.52, and the credit card company announced the acquisition of startup Brex for $5.15 billion.
Brex offers business credit cards to other startups and established businesses, and the company was valued at more than $12 billion in 2023.
In addition, Capital One reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $3.86.
Intuitive Surgical increased 3.5% to $544.27 after the robotic surgical system maker posted strong fourth-quarter results.
The company's revenue increased to $2.7 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $2.53.
Intel Corp. declined 13.5% to $46.98 after the advanced chipmaker's current quarter outlook fell short of market expectations.
Intel estimated first-quarter revenue to fall between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion, and breakeven adjusted earnings per share.
Wall Street Indexes Attempted to Erase Weekly Losses Amid Unresolved Trade Fr
Barry Adams
23 Jan, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street edged higher for the second consecutive session on Friday, and investors shifted their focus to corporate results.
The S&P 500 index increased 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.2% amid easing geopolitical tensions.
After a tumultuous week of trading, benchmark indexes are set to extend weekly losses to more than 0.3% amid persistent worries about the U.S. federal government debt and the chaotic trade policy of the Trump administration.
Gold and silver continued to hover near record highs as the U.S. prepares to carry out additional attacks targeting Iran's nuclear capabilities.
U.S. Movers
Capital One Financial decreased 2.5% to $228.52, and the credit card company announced the acquisition of startup Brex for $5.15 billion.
Brex offers business credit cards to other startups and established businesses, and the company was valued at more than $12 billion in 2023.
In addition, Capital One reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $3.86.
Intuitive Surgical increased 3.5% to $544.27 after the robotic surgical system maker posted strong fourth-quarter results.
The company's revenue increased to $2.7 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $2.53.
Intel Corp. declined 13.5% to $46.98 after the advanced chipmaker's current quarter outlook fell short of market expectations.
Intel estimated first-quarter revenue to fall between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion, and breakeven adjusted earnings per share.
Bank of Japan Held Rates Steady as Expected, Inflation Stayed Above 2% Target Rate
Akira Ito
23 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's market averages edged higher on Friday and extended the previous session's gains as investors reviewed the monetary policy decisions and inflation update.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up 0.2%, the broader Topix Index increased 0.4%, and the yield on 10-year Japanese bonds held at 0.75%.
The Bank of Japan held steady its interest rates at 0.75% after the first policy meeting of 2026.
The policy committee voted to hold rates in an 8-to-1 vote, as committee participants balanced inflation risks, a weakening yen, and growing fiscal concerns tied to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's fiscal expansionary plans.
However, the central bank held out for higher rates if economic activities and inflation evolved as expected by policymakers.
The Bank of Japan raised rates two times in 2025, and the committee raised its core inflation outlook to 1.9% from 1.8% and GDP growth to 1.0% from 0.7% for the fiscal year 2026.
Japan's annual inflation eased in December to 2.1% from 2.9% in the previous month, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
The overall inflation rate eased after food inflation dropped to 5.1% from 6.1%, and core inflation slipped to 2.4% from 3% and stayed still above the central bank's target rate of 2% for the 45th consecutive month.
Core-core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, increased to 2.9%, which reflects underlying price pressure across a broad set of economic activities.
For 2025, core inflation, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, rose 3.1% from a year ago, marking the increase for the fourth year in a row.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up 0.2% to 53,799.51, and the broader Topix Index increased 0.4% to 3,630.74.
Vehicle makers, banks, and defense contractors advanced following the Bank of Japan's rate decisions and a rebound in U.S. stocks in overnight trading.
Softbank Group decreased 1.1% to ¥4,274.0, Tokyo Electron declined 1.8% to ¥41,720.0, and Advantest Corp. jumped 3% to ¥23,530.0.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group gained 1%, and Mizuho Financial decreased 1%.
Bank of Japan Held Rates Steady as Expected, Inflation Stayed Above 2% Target
Akira Ito
23 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's market averages edged higher on Friday and extended the previous session's gains as investors reviewed the monetary policy decisions and inflation update.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up 0.2%, the broader Topix Index increased 0.4%, and the yield on 10-year Japanese bonds held at 0.75%.
The Bank of Japan held steady its interest rates at 0.75% after the first policy meeting of 2026.
The policy committee voted to hold rates in an 8-to-1 vote, as committee participants balanced inflation risks, a weakening yen, and growing fiscal concerns tied to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's fiscal expansionary plans.
However, the central bank held out for higher rates if economic activities and inflation evolved as expected by policymakers.
The Bank of Japan raised rates two times in 2025, and the committee raised its core inflation outlook to 1.9% from 1.8% and GDP growth to 1.0% from 0.7% for the fiscal year 2026.
Japan's annual inflation eased in December to 2.1% from 2.9% in the previous month, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
The overall inflation rate eased after food inflation dropped to 5.1% from 6.1%, and core inflation slipped to 2.4% from 3% and stayed still above the central bank's target rate of 2% for the 45th consecutive month.
Core-core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, increased to 2.9%, which reflects underlying price pressure across a broad set of economic activities.
For 2025, core inflation, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, rose 3.1% from a year ago, marking the increase for the fourth year in a row.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up 0.2% to 53,799.51, and the broader Topix Index increased 0.4% to 3,630.74.
Vehicle makers, banks, and defense contractors advanced following the Bank of Japan's rate decisions and a rebound in U.S. stocks in overnight trading.
Softbank Group decreased 1.1% to ¥4,274.0, Tokyo Electron declined 1.8% to ¥41,720.0, and Advantest Corp. jumped 3% to ¥23,530.0.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group gained 1%, and Mizuho Financial decreased 1%.
China Indexes Closed Higher After a Week of Tumultuous Trading
Li Chen
23 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China rebounded and pared weekly losses amid receding geopolitical tensions.
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.3%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged lower 0.4% on rising speculation that the central bank may provide additional stimulus.
For the week, the Hang Seng Index advanced 0.3%, and the CSI 300 Index decreased 0.3% after the securities regulator tightened the margin requirement for leveraged trading.
Stock market indexes rebounded from losses earlier in the week after the People's Bank of China sent a dovish signal and reinforced its commitment to accommodative monetary policy.
Geopolitical tensions subsided after the U.S. president was forced to back down from his threats to take over Greenland, if necessary by force.
But tensions rose in the Middle East as the U.S. prepared to conduct coordinated aerial attacks in Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities.
Gold traded hovered near a record high of $4,956.0 per ounce amid lingering geopolitical tensions and persistent debasement of the U.S. dollar.
Moreover, central banks continued to rotate out of the U.S. Treasury and increase their holdings of precious metals.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.3% to 26,718.13, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.4% to 4,707.04.
Alibaba Group advanced 2.6% to HK $169.10 on speculation that the e-commerce platform company is planning to list its advanced chip design unit, T-Head.
Xiaomi Corp. increased 2.5% to HK $36.12 after the telecom equipment maker announced a stock repurchase plan worth as much as HK $2.5 billion.
China Indexes Closed Higher After a Week of Tumultuous Trading
Li Chen
23 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China rebounded and pared weekly losses amid receding geopolitical tensions.
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.3%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged lower 0.4% on rising speculation that the central bank may provide additional stimulus.
For the week, the Hang Seng Index advanced 0.3%, and the CSI 300 Index decreased 0.3% after the securities regulator tightened the margin requirement for leveraged trading.
Stock market indexes rebounded from losses earlier in the week after the People's Bank of China sent a dovish signal and reinforced its commitment to accommodative monetary policy.
Geopolitical tensions subsided after the U.S. president was forced to back down from his threats to take over Greenland, if necessary by force.
But tensions rose in the Middle East as the U.S. prepared to conduct coordinated aerial attacks in Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities.
Gold traded hovered near a record high of $4,956.0 per ounce amid lingering geopolitical tensions and persistent debasement of the U.S. dollar.
Moreover, central banks continued to rotate out of the U.S. Treasury and increase their holdings of precious metals.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.3% to 26,718.13, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.4% to 4,707.04.
Alibaba Group advanced 2.6% to HK $169.10 on speculation that the e-commerce platform company is planning to list its advanced chip design unit, T-Head.
Xiaomi Corp. increased 2.5% to HK $36.12 after the telecom equipment maker announced a stock repurchase plan worth as much as HK $2.5 billion.
Tech Stocks Led Wall Street Rebound After Tariff Fears Eased
Barry Adams
22 Jan, 2026
New York City
U.S. stocks rebounded in early trading on Thursday as investors recalibrated geopolitical tensions.
The S&P 500 index increased 1.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.4% amid recovering sentiment for stocks.
The U.S. president walked back from his threats to "purchase" Greenland, if necessary using military force, confirming yet again the so-called TACO trade.
The Greenland crisis appears to be defusing, and the Trump Always Chickens Out rally broadened beyond tech stocks.
Trump said a "framework deal" has been reached between the U.S. and NATO over Greenland, without giving any evidence.
Markets in Europe and Asia rebounded for now in the hopes that the tentative agreement will avoid a wider conflict between the U.S. and the European Union, which could impact global trade.
Moreover, Japan's benchmark index soared as much as 18%, and Japanese bond yields inched lower after the ruling party leaders and government officials talked up the financial outlook and insurance companies stepped up buying.
U.S. Movers
Procter & Gamble Company declined 1.2% to $144.27 after the consumer goods-focused company reported mixed quarterly results amid weakening demand for Gillette razor blades and Pampers diapers.
GameStop Corp. increased 3% to $22.35 after CEO and Chairman Ryan Cohen acquired additional shares in the video game retailer, according to a regulatory filing.
Cohen purchased 500,000 shares at an average price of $21.60 per share, according to a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday.
Tech Stocks Led Wall Street Rebound After Tariff Fears Eased
Barry Adams
22 Jan, 2026
New York City
U.S. stocks rebounded in early trading on Thursday as investors recalibrated geopolitical tensions.
The S&P 500 index increased 1.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.4% amid recovering sentiment for stocks.
The U.S. president walked back from his threats to "purchase" Greenland, if necessary using military force, confirming yet again the so-called TACO trade.
The Greenland crisis appears to be defusing, and the Trump Always Chickens Out rally broadened beyond tech stocks.
Trump said a "framework deal" has been reached between the U.S. and NATO over Greenland, without giving any evidence.
Markets in Europe and Asia rebounded for now in the hopes that the tentative agreement will avoid a wider conflict between the U.S. and the European Union, which could impact global trade.
Moreover, Japan's benchmark index soared as much as 18%, and Japanese bond yields inched lower after the ruling party leaders and government officials talked up the financial outlook and insurance companies stepped up buying.
U.S. Movers
Procter & Gamble Company declined 1.2% to $144.27 after the consumer goods-focused company reported mixed quarterly results amid weakening demand for Gillette razor blades and Pampers diapers.
GameStop Corp. increased 3% to $22.35 after CEO and Chairman Ryan Cohen acquired additional shares in the video game retailer, according to a regulatory filing.
Cohen purchased 500,000 shares at an average price of $21.60 per share, according to a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday.
Japan's 2025 Trade Deficit Slashed In Half Despite Fall In U.S. Exports
Akira Ito
22 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes advanced on Thursday, halting a five-day losing streak amid improving global risk sentiment.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 1.7%, and the broader Topix Index gained 0.8% after Greenland-linked tensions receded.
The U.S. president said a "framework deal" has been reached between the U.S. and NATO over Greenland, without giving any evidence.
Markets in Japan rebounded for now in the hopes that the tentative agreement will avoid a wider conflict between the U.S. and the European Union, which could impact global trade.
Moreover, Japanese bond yields inched lower after the ruling party leaders and government officials talked up the financial outlook and insurance companies stepped up buying.
Positive sentiment was further supported by a rise in exports for the fifth month in a row in December.
Overall exports rose 5.1% to 10.4 trillion yen, and imports increased 5.3% to 10.3 trillion yen, driving the trade surplus to 105.7 billion yen, according to the finance ministry.
For 2025, Japan's imports advanced 0.3% to 113.10 trillion yen, and exports increased to 110.4 trillion yen, driving the trade surplus down 53% to 2.7 trillion yen.
Japan's trade surplus with the U.S. declined amid sluggish vehicle shipments after the sharp increase in tariffs to 15% from as low as 2.5% a year ago.
Exports decreased 4.1% to 20.4 trillion yen, driven by an 11.4% fall in value in vehicle shipments.
The trade surplus declined 12.6% to 7.5 trillion yen after imports advanced 1.6% to 12.9 trillion yen from the world's largest economy.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.7% to 53,688.89, and the broader Topix Index gained 0.8% to 3,617.73.
Technology stocks led the rebound, and Advantest, Tokyo Electron, and Lasertec gained between 2% and 4%.
Large banks participated in the market rally, and Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho Group gained between 2% and 3%.
Japan's 2025 Trade Deficit Slashed In Half Despite Fall In U.S. Exports
Akira Ito
22 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes advanced on Thursday, halting a five-day losing streak amid improving global risk sentiment.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 1.7%, and the broader Topix Index gained 0.8% after Greenland-linked tensions receded.
The U.S. president said a "framework deal" has been reached between the U.S. and NATO over Greenland, without giving any evidence.
Markets in Japan rebounded for now in the hopes that the tentative agreement will avoid a wider conflict between the U.S. and the European Union, which could impact global trade.
Moreover, Japanese bond yields inched lower after the ruling party leaders and government officials talked up the financial outlook and insurance companies stepped up buying.
Positive sentiment was further supported by a rise in exports for the fifth month in a row in December.
Overall exports rose 5.1% to 10.4 trillion yen, and imports increased 5.3% to 10.3 trillion yen, driving the trade surplus to 105.7 billion yen, according to the finance ministry.
For 2025, Japan's imports advanced 0.3% to 113.10 trillion yen, and exports increased to 110.4 trillion yen, driving the trade surplus down 53% to 2.7 trillion yen.
Japan's trade surplus with the U.S. declined amid sluggish vehicle shipments after the sharp increase in tariffs to 15% from as low as 2.5% a year ago.
Exports decreased 4.1% to 20.4 trillion yen, driven by an 11.4% fall in value in vehicle shipments.
The trade surplus declined 12.6% to 7.5 trillion yen after imports advanced 1.6% to 12.9 trillion yen from the world's largest economy.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.7% to 53,688.89, and the broader Topix Index gained 0.8% to 3,617.73.
Technology stocks led the rebound, and Advantest, Tokyo Electron, and Lasertec gained between 2% and 4%.
Large banks participated in the market rally, and Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho Group gained between 2% and 3%.
China Stocks Struggled to Stay Above Flatline Ahad of Quarterly Results
Li Chen
22 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Benchmark stock indexes in China and Hong Kong rebounded after geopolitical tensions eased.
The Hang Seng Index erased morning gains and eased to 0.2%, and the CSI 300 Index decreased 0.5% amid receding fears of an imminent U.S. attack on Greenland.
The U.S. president said a "framework deal" has been reached between the U.S. and NATO over Greenland, without giving any evidence.
Markets in Asia rebounded for now in the hopes that the tentative agreement will avoid a wider conflict between the U.S. and the European Union, which could impact global trade.
Moreover, Japanese bond yields inched lower after the ruling party leaders and government officials talked up the financial outlook and insurance companies stepped up buying.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 26,541.39, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.5% to 4,701.22.
Gold edged down 0.6% to $4,799.40 an ounce after the receding tensions linked to Greenland calmed investor nerves.
Technology stocks continued to trade sideways as risk sentiment remained depressed.
Electric vehicle makers and technology platform operators led gainers, and Alibaba Group, Baidu, Li Auto, Meituan, and JD.com gained between 0.3% and 4%.
Among the decliners, Zijin Mining Group, Zijin Gold, China Vanke, Henderson Land, Xiaomi, and SMIC decreased between 0.4% and 2.2%.