Market Update
China Stocks Lacked Direction Amid Global Stagflation Worries
Li Chen
29 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong diverged amid an uncertain geopolitical outlook and lingering tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The Hang Seng Index advanced 1.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.6%, as investors reviewed the latest batch of corporate results.
Brent crude oil prices fell 0.1% to $111.20 a barrel as U.S. and Iran peace talks stalled and the possibility of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz increased.
Tensions between the U.S. and China rose ahead of the planned summit between the leaders of two nations after Beijing regulators prevented Meta Platforms from acquiring AI startup Maus, asserting their control on key technologies.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 1.2% to 25,995.58, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.6% to 4,788.53.
Foxconn decreased more than 3% even as the company reported a triple-digit growth in AI-driven revenue and earnings, driven by a strong demand for cloud computing and data centers.
China Stocks Lacked Direction Amid Global Stagflation Worries
Li Chen
29 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong diverged amid an uncertain geopolitical outlook and lingering tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The Hang Seng Index advanced 1.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.6%, as investors reviewed the latest batch of corporate results.
Brent crude oil prices fell 0.1% to $111.20 a barrel as U.S. and Iran peace talks stalled and the possibility of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz increased.
Tensions between the U.S. and China rose ahead of the planned summit between the leaders of two nations after Beijing regulators prevented Meta Platforms from acquiring AI startup Maus, asserting their control on key technologies.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 1.2% to 25,995.58, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 0.6% to 4,788.53.
Foxconn decreased more than 3% even as the company reported a triple-digit growth in AI-driven revenue and earnings, driven by a strong demand for cloud computing and data centers.
U.S. Investors Reacted to Latest Earnings Reports, Tech Stocks In Focus
Barry Adams
28 Apr, 2026
New York City
Benchmark indexes in New York hovered near new record highs set in the previous session, and investors overlooked lingering tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.6% as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings.
General Motors, UPS, Coca-Cola Company, British Petroleum, Airbus, Novartis, and Barclays reported their quarterly results.
After the close of the regular trading session, Visa, Starbucks, T-Mobile, NXP Semiconductors, Booking Holdings, Waste Management, and CoStar are scheduled to release their quarterly updates.
Crude oil prices in New York advanced 3.5% to $99.85 a barrel, and the UAE announced its decision to exit OPEC on May 1.
U.S. Movers
General Motors increased 1% to $78.27 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results, and the automaker raised its 2026 outlook.
Coca-Cola Company jumped 3.7% to $78.26 after the beverage maker's first-quarter revenue and earnings surpassed market expectations.
Coca-Cola reported adjusted earnings per share of 86 cents on revenue of $12.5 billion.
UPS decreased 5.5% to $102.56 after the company's latest quarterly revenue and earnings fell short of analysts' expectations.
The parcel delivery company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.07 on revenue of $21.2 billion.
U.S. Investors Reacted to Latest Earnings Reports, Tech Stocks In Focus
Barry Adams
28 Apr, 2026
New York City
Benchmark indexes in New York hovered near new record highs set in the previous session, and investors overlooked lingering tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.6% as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings.
General Motors, UPS, Coca-Cola Company, British Petroleum, Airbus, Novartis, and Barclays reported their quarterly results.
After the close of the regular trading session, Visa, Starbucks, T-Mobile, NXP Semiconductors, Booking Holdings, Waste Management, and CoStar are scheduled to release their quarterly updates.
Crude oil prices in New York advanced 3.5% to $99.85 a barrel, and the UAE announced its decision to exit OPEC on May 1.
U.S. Movers
General Motors increased 1% to $78.27 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results, and the automaker raised its 2026 outlook.
Coca-Cola Company jumped 3.7% to $78.26 after the beverage maker's first-quarter revenue and earnings surpassed market expectations.
Coca-Cola reported adjusted earnings per share of 86 cents on revenue of $12.5 billion.
UPS decreased 5.5% to $102.56 after the company's latest quarterly revenue and earnings fell short of analysts' expectations.
The parcel delivery company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.07 on revenue of $21.2 billion.
U.S. Investors Reacted to Latest Earnings Reports, Tech Stocks In F
Barry Adams
28 Apr, 2026
New York City
Benchmark indexes in New York hovered near new record highs set in the previous session, and investors overlooked lingering tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.6% as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings.
General Motors, UPS, Coca-Cola Company, British Petroleum, Airbus, Novartis, and Barclays reported their quarterly results.
After the close of the regular trading session, Visa, Starbucks, T-Mobile, NXP Semiconductors, Booking Holdings, Waste Management, and CoStar are scheduled to release their quarterly updates.
Crude oil prices in New York advanced 3.5% to $99.85 a barrel, and the UAE, the third largest oil producer in the OPEC, announced its decision to exit the organization on May 1.
U.S. Movers
General Motors increased 1% to $78.27 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results, and the automaker raised its 2026 outlook.
Coca-Cola Company jumped 3.7% to $78.26 after the beverage maker's first-quarter revenue and earnings surpassed market expectations.
Coca-Cola reported adjusted earnings per share of 86 cents on revenue of $12.5 billion.
UPS decreased 5.5% to $102.56 after the company's latest quarterly revenue and earnings fell short of analysts' expectations.
The parcel delivery company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.07 on revenue of $21.2 billion.
Bank of Japan Held Rates Steady, Jobless Rate Edged Higher In March
Akira Ito
28 Apr, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes declined from record highs, and investors reviewed rate decisions and the latest economic updates.
As investors modified their expectations for inflation and economic growth, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell more than 1%, while the overall Topix increased by 0.7%.
The Bank of Japan left its short-term rates unrevised at 0.75% for a fourth consecutive meeting in a row, meeting the market expectations.
The rate-setting committee revised lower its economic growth expectations to 0.5% from 1.0%, reflecting softer domestic economic momentum, and its core inflation outlook to 2.8% from 1.9%, citing higher energy prices.
The government measures, resilient corporate profits, and accommodative financial conditions are likely to provide support for modest economic growth in the current financial year.
The central bank also boosted its financial year 2025 economic growth estimate to 1.0% from 0.9%, backed by last year's trade deal with the U.S.
Japan's jobless rate edged higher in March as geopolitical uncertainty and weakening consumer sentiment weighed on the broader market.
The jobless rate increased to 2.7% from 2.6% in February, and the number of unemployed increased by 10,000 to 1.86 million, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Meanwhile, total employment declined by 120,000 to 68.2 million, and the total labor force shrank by 100,000 to a seven-month low of 70.0 million.
The jobs-to-applicants ratio eased to 1.18 from 1.19 in February as demand for skilled professionals in advanced technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors remained high.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 1.2% to 59,790.97, and the broader Topix advanced 0.7% to 3,760.51.
Advantest Corp. decreased 5.3% to ¥29,815.0 after the company's outlook missed market expectations.
Revenue in the financial year ending in March rose 44.7% to 1.1 trillion yen, net income advanced 133% to 375.4 billion yen, and diluted earnings per share jumped to 513.6 yen from 218.01 yen a year ago.
The company increased its total annual dividend to 59 yen from 39 yen, but the dividend payout ratio fell to 11.5% from 17.8% a year ago, respectively.
The advanced semiconductor equipment maker estimated fiscal 2026 sales to increase at a slower growth rate of 26% to 1.42 trillion yen, net income to rise 24% to 465.5 billion yen, and basic earnings per share to advance to 641.6 yen per share.
Bank of Japan Held Rates Steady, Jobless Rate Edged Higher In March
Akira Ito
28 Apr, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes declined from record highs, and investors reviewed rate decisions and the latest economic updates.
As investors modified their expectations for inflation and economic growth, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell more than 1%, while the overall Topix increased by 0.7%.
The Bank of Japan left its short-term rates unrevised at 0.75% for a fourth consecutive meeting in a row, meeting the market expectations.
The rate-setting committee revised lower its economic growth expectations to 0.5% from 1.0%, reflecting softer domestic economic momentum, and its core inflation outlook to 2.8% from 1.9%, citing higher energy prices.
The government measures, resilient corporate profits, and accommodative financial conditions are likely to provide support for modest economic growth in the current financial year.
The central bank also boosted its financial year 2025 economic growth estimate to 1.0% from 0.9%, backed by last year's trade deal with the U.S.
Japan's jobless rate edged higher in March as geopolitical uncertainty and weakening consumer sentiment weighed on the broader market.
The jobless rate increased to 2.7% from 2.6% in February, and the number of unemployed increased by 10,000 to 1.86 million, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Meanwhile, total employment declined by 120,000 to 68.2 million, and the total labor force shrank by 100,000 to a seven-month low of 70.0 million.
The jobs-to-applicants ratio eased to 1.18 from 1.19 in February as demand for skilled professionals in advanced technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sectors remained high.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 1.2% to 59,790.97, and the broader Topix advanced 0.7% to 3,760.51.
Advantest Corp. decreased 5.3% to ¥29,815.0 after the company's outlook missed market expectations.
Revenue in the financial year ending in March rose 44.7% to 1.1 trillion yen, net income advanced 133% to 375.4 billion yen, and diluted earnings per share jumped to 513.6 yen from 218.01 yen a year ago.
The company increased its total annual dividend to 59 yen from 39 yen, but the dividend payout ratio fell to 11.5% from 17.8% a year ago, respectively.
The advanced semiconductor equipment maker estimated fiscal 2026 sales to increase at a slower growth rate of 26% to 1.42 trillion yen, net income to rise 24% to 465.5 billion yen, and basic earnings per share to advance to 641.6 yen per share.
Prolonged Hormuz Worries Dampen Mood In China and Hong Kong Trading
Li Chen
28 Apr, 2026
Mumbai
Stock market indexes in mainland China and Hong Kong lacked direction amid growing worries that shipments through the Persian Gulf are likely to remain disrupted for a prolonged period.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.7%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up a fraction as the U.S.-Iran peace talks stalled.
Brent crude oil prices jumped 1.2% to $109.47 a barrel amid a growing realization that crude oil and LPG gas shipments through the critical waterway are likely to remain disrupted longer than previously disrupted.
Policymakers in China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the Philippines are scrambling to shore up alternative energy supplies and source fertilizers and jet fuel from Russia and other nations.
Closer to home, investors are also lowering expectations of economic growth and raising estimates of inflation amid higher energy prices and passenger and cargo transportation disruptions.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.7% to 25,752.60, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.01% to 4,773.98.
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. dropped 6% to HK $629.0 after the company announced a $5 billion secondary offering at a discounted price.
Moreover, the battery maker signed a deal to provide sodium-ion battery systems to Beijing HyperStrong.
Technology and AI-linked stocks traded down after Beijing ordered Meta Platforms to unwind its purchase of Manus AI.
Zhongji Innolight Co. decreased 3.1% to ¥830.58, and Eoptolink Technology edged up 0.2% to ¥539.14, and SMIC fell 1.4% to HK $67.35.
Prolonged Hormuz Worries Dampen Mood In China and Hong Kong Trading
Li Chen
28 Apr, 2026
Mumbai
Stock market indexes in mainland China and Hong Kong lacked direction amid growing worries that shipments through the Persian Gulf are likely to remain disrupted for a prolonged period.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.7%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up a fraction as the U.S.-Iran peace talks stalled.
Brent crude oil prices jumped 1.2% to $109.47 a barrel amid a growing realization that crude oil and LPG gas shipments through the critical waterway are likely to remain disrupted longer than previously disrupted.
Policymakers in China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the Philippines are scrambling to shore up alternative energy supplies and source fertilizers and jet fuel from Russia and other nations.
Closer to home, investors are also lowering expectations of economic growth and raising estimates of inflation amid higher energy prices and passenger and cargo transportation disruptions.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.7% to 25,752.60, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index edged up 0.01% to 4,773.98.
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. dropped 6% to HK $629.0 after the company announced a $5 billion secondary offering at a discounted price.
Moreover, the battery maker signed a deal to provide sodium-ion battery systems to Beijing HyperStrong.
Technology and AI-linked stocks traded down after Beijing ordered Meta Platforms to unwind its purchase of Manus AI.
Zhongji Innolight Co. decreased 3.1% to ¥830.58, and Eoptolink Technology edged up 0.2% to ¥539.14, and SMIC fell 1.4% to HK $67.35.
Investors Held Out for Higher Record Highs Ahead of Mag 7 Earnings This Week
Barry Adams
27 Apr, 2026
New York City
Wall Street indexes lacked direction on Monday ahead of the Federal Reserve's rate decisions on Wednesday.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite eased 0.1% amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Over the weekend, Iran's Revolutionary Guard boarded two container tanks in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
Moreover, Iran confirmed that there are no talks scheduled with the U.S., indicating that hostilities are likely to prolong in the Persian Gulf.
The disruption of energy product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to Asia for the second consecutive month is anticipated to significantly impact global economic growth.
The sharp jump in crude oil and natural gas prices, shortage of industrial gases, and disruptions of shipments of fertilizers through the key waterway are stoking worldwide inflation and denting economic growth prospects.
U.S. Stock Movers
Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft are scheduled to release their quarterly results on Wednesday, and Apple is expected to release its results on Thursday.
The so-called Mag 7 stocks have rebounded more than 10% in April, contributing to the broader market rally driven by expectations of easing supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Domino's Pizza Inc. declined 3.7% to $351.27 after the fast food company reported its financial results.
Total revenues in the first quarter increased 3.5% to $1.15 billion from $1.11 billion, net income declined 6.6% to $139.8 million from $149.7 million, and diluted earnings per share fell 4.6% to $4.13 from $4.33.
The company's quarterly results fell short of analysts' estimates of earnings per share of $4.27 and revenue of $1.16.
Same store sales growth at the U.S.-based locations increased 0.9%, compared to a decline of 0.5% in the quarter a year ago.
Investors Held Out for Higher Record Highs Ahead of Mag 7 Earnings This Week
Barry Adams
27 Apr, 2026
New York City
Wall Street indexes lacked direction on Monday ahead of the Federal Reserve's rate decisions on Wednesday.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite eased 0.1% amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Over the weekend, Iran's Revolutionary Guard boarded two container tanks in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
Moreover, Iran confirmed that there are no talks scheduled with the U.S., indicating that hostilities are likely to prolong in the Persian Gulf.
The disruption of energy product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to Asia for the second consecutive month is anticipated to significantly impact global economic growth.
The sharp jump in crude oil and natural gas prices, shortage of industrial gases, and disruptions of shipments of fertilizers through the key waterway are stoking worldwide inflation and denting economic growth prospects.
U.S. Stock Movers
Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft are scheduled to release their quarterly results on Wednesday, and Apple is expected to release its results on Thursday.
The so-called Mag 7 stocks have rebounded more than 10% in April, contributing to the broader market rally driven by expectations of easing supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Domino's Pizza Inc. declined 3.7% to $351.27 after the fast food company reported its financial results.
Total revenues in the first quarter increased 3.5% to $1.15 billion from $1.11 billion, net income declined 6.6% to $139.8 million from $149.7 million, and diluted earnings per share fell 4.6% to $4.13 from $4.33.
The company's quarterly results fell short of analysts' estimates of earnings per share of $4.27 and revenue of $1.16.
Same store sales growth at the U.S.-based locations increased 0.9%, compared to a decline of 0.5% in the quarter a year ago.
Investors Held Out for Higher Record Highs Ahead of Mag 7 Earnings This Week
Barry Adams
27 Apr, 2026
New York City
Wall Street indexes lacked direction on Monday ahead of the Federal Reserve's rate decisions on Wednesday.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite eased 0.1% amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Over the weekend, Iran's Revolutionary Guard boarded two container tanks in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
Moreover, Iran confirmed that there are no talks scheduled with the U.S., indicating that hostilities are likely to prolong in the Persian Gulf.
The disruption of energy product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to Asia for the second consecutive month is anticipated to significantly impact global economic growth.
The sharp jump in crude oil and natural gas prices, shortage of industrial gases, and disruptions of shipments of fertilizers through the key waterway are stoking worldwide inflation and denting economic growth prospects.
U.S. Stock Movers
Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft are scheduled to release their quarterly results on Wednesday, and Apple is expected to release its results on Thursday.
The so-called Mag 7 stocks have rebounded more than 10% in April, contributing to the broader market rally driven by expectations of easing supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Domino's Pizza Inc. declined 3.7% to $351.27 after the fast food company reported its financial results.
Total revenues in the first quarter increased 3.5% to $1.15 billion from $1.11 billion, net income declined 6.6% to $139.8 million from $149.7 million, and diluted earnings per share fell 4.6% to $4.13 from $4.33.
The company's quarterly results fell short of analysts' estimates of earnings per share of $4.27 and revenue of $1.16.
Same store sales growth at the U.S.-based locations increased 0.9%, compared to a decline of 0.5% in the quarter a year ago.
China's Indexes Advanced On Monday, Industrial Profit Growth Accelerated In March
Li Chen
27 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
China's indexes advanced on Monday and extended the previous week's gains, supported by strong domestic economic data.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched higher 0.3% as investors reacted positively to the rise in industrial profit.
China's industrial profit in March surged 15.8% from a year ago, accelerating from 15.2% in the first two months of 2026, according to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
Industrial profit surged 15.5% in the first quarter, driven by a demand for advanced chips and equipment for data centers.
The profit at joint-stock companies soared 21% to 1.3 trillion yuan, private companies rose at a slower pace of 25.4% from 37.2% to 430.5 billion yuan, and state-owned enterprises accelerated to 10.1% from 5.3% to 619.6 billion yuan.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.2% to 26,016.21, and the CSI 300 Index edged up 0.2% to 4,779.32.
Kweichow Moutai Co. decreased 3.8% to ¥1,403.0 in Shanghai after the company, an alcoholic beverage company, reported its financial results for the March quarter.
Revenue increased to 54.7 billion yuan from 51.4 billion yuan, net income advanced to 27.2 billion yuan from 21.4 billion yuan, and diluted earnings per share rose to 21.76 yuan from 21.38 yuan a year ago.
Shannon Semiconductor advanced 4.2% to ¥168.94 after the company reported a sharp jump in earnings in the first quarter.
China's Indexes Advanced On Monday, Industrial Profit Growth Accelerated In March
Li Chen
27 Apr, 2026
Hong Kong
China's indexes advanced on Monday and extended the previous week's gains, supported by strong domestic economic data.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched higher 0.3% as investors reacted positively to the rise in industrial profit.
China's industrial profit in March surged 15.8% from a year ago, accelerating from 15.2% in the first two months of 2026, according to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
Industrial profit surged 15.5% in the first quarter, driven by a demand for advanced chips and equipment for data centers.
The profit at joint-stock companies soared 21% to 1.3 trillion yuan, private companies rose at a slower pace of 25.4% from 37.2% to 430.5 billion yuan, and state-owned enterprises accelerated to 10.1% from 5.3% to 619.6 billion yuan.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index increased 0.2% to 26,016.21, and the CSI 300 Index edged up 0.2% to 4,779.32.
Kweichow Moutai Co. decreased 3.8% to ¥1,403.0 in Shanghai after the company, an alcoholic beverage company, reported its financial results for the March quarter.
Revenue increased to 54.7 billion yuan from 51.4 billion yuan, net income advanced to 27.2 billion yuan from 21.4 billion yuan, and diluted earnings per share rose to 21.76 yuan from 21.38 yuan a year ago.
Shannon Semiconductor advanced 4.2% to ¥168.94 after the company reported a sharp jump in earnings in the first quarter.