Market Update
China Stocks Lacked Momentum Ahead of Fourth Plenum Blueprint Details
Li Chen
23 Oct, 2025
Hong Kong
Stocks in China flatlined as top policymakers convened in Beijing for the fourth Plenum of he Communist Party's Central Committee.
The Hang Seng index decreased 0.1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index declined 0.6%.
Latter in the day, China's policymakers are set to announce their blueprint for economic development between 2026 and 2030 as the world's second-largest economy tightens trade linkages with the ASEAN region.
Policymakers are set to devise a plan to accelerate investment in advanced technologies, diversify China's exports away from the U.S., and deepen investments in South America, Africa, and the ASEAN region.
Moreover, local governments are seeking alternative revenues as the residential property market's collapse shows no signs of easing.
China's economic growth is likely to experience a further slowdown of between 2% and 4%, and deflationary forces are likely to keep profit margins thin for the foreseeable future.
At the same time, low interest rates are spurring investors to shift into riskier assets and seek safe haven in precious metals.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.1% to 25,752.32, and the CSI 300 index dropped 0.6% to 4,565.79.
Property developers advanced amid hopes of additional stimulus after the end of the fourth Plenum.
China Vanke decreased 0.8% to HK $4.62, Longfor Group Holdings dropped 0.7% to HK $10.27, and Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. rose 0.6% to HK $92.75.
Midea Group edged up 0.1% to HK $82.65, Pop Mart International Group dropped 9.9% to HK $232.20, Nongfu Spring Co. Ltd. eased 0.4% to HK $54.05, Li Ning Co. Ltd. soared 6% to HK $18.44, and Anta Sports Products decreased 0.1% to HK $87.40.
Zijin Gold International dropped 1.7% to HK $129.10 after gold prices extended a two-day losses to over 8%, the deepest decline in 12 years.
Shandong Gold Mining dropped 1.7% to HK $33.50, Zijin Mining Group decreased 1.7% to HK $31.22, and Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining 2% to HK $27.94.
U.S. Stocks Lack Momentum as Earnings Pour In; Precious Metals' Brutal Two-Day Sell-Off Continues
Barry Adams
22 Oct, 2025
New York City
Benchmark indexes on Wall Street struggled to advance, following strong gains in the previous session.
The S&P 500 index increased 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.1%, and they hovered near record highs ahead of key earnings reports.
Market indexes traded near record highs despite worries about the regional bank's exposure to non-bank finance lending.
Investors are hopeful that corporate earnings are likely to stay ahead of market expectations, despite Trump's tariff whiplash and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties.
For now, investors have shrugged off the prolonged federal government shutdown, but economists are worried that the U.S. economy is likely to shrink amid contracting international trade, a shrinking labor pool, and a steady increase in already elevated federal government debt.
Gold dropped 1.1% to $4,076 an ounce and extended its two-day losses to over 8% as traders booked profit.
U.S. Stock Movers
Netflix Inc. dropped 7% to $1,154.23 after the streaming services provider reported mixed third-quarter results.
Revenue in the period increased to $11.5 billion from $9.8 billion, net income advanced to $2.5 billion from $2.4 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $5.87 from $5.40 a year ago.
The streaming service provider attributed weaker-than-estimated earnings to the ongoing $619 million tax expense with the Brazilian tax department.
Western Alliance Bancorp rose 2.4% to $78.06 after the regional bank reported better-than-expected third-quarter earnings.
Net revenue increased 10.9% to $938.2 million, net income advanced 9.5% to $260.5 million from $237.8 million, and diluted earnings per share rose 10.1% to $2.28 from $2.07 a year ago.
Coca-Cola Company jumped 4% to $71.22, and the beverage company reported better-than-expected revenue and earnings in the third quarter.
The resilient demand for zero-sugar beverages and Fairlife, ultra-filtered milk, in the U.S. supported the 1% increase in global unit sales, while the price rose 6% from a year ago.
Revenue in the period increased 5% to $12.5 billion from $11.8 billion, net income advanced to $3.8 billion from $2.9 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to 86 cents from 66 cents a year ago.
The company reiterated adjusted revenue growth between 5% and 6%, and comparable adjusted earnings per share to increase 3% to $2.88.
The Atlanta-based beverage company is set to launch the U.S. launch of the 7.5-ounce single-serve sugarcane drink this fall, priced at less than $2 in convenience stores.
U.S. Stocks Lack Momentum as Earnings Pour In; Precious Metals' Brutal Two-Day Sell-Off Continues
Barry Adams
22 Oct, 2025
New York City
Benchmark indexes on Wall Street struggled to advance, following strong gains in the previous session.
The S&P 500 index increased 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.1%, and they hovered near record highs ahead of key earnings reports.
Market indexes traded near record highs despite worries about the regional bank's exposure to non-bank finance lending.
Investors are hopeful that corporate earnings are likely to stay ahead of market expectations, despite Trump's tariff whiplash and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties.
For now, investors have shrugged off the prolonged federal government shutdown, but economists are worried that the U.S. economy is likely to shrink amid contracting international trade, a shrinking labor pool, and a steady increase in already elevated federal government debt.
Gold dropped 1.1% to $4,076 an ounce and extended its two-day losses to over 8% as traders booked profit.
U.S. Stock Movers
Netflix Inc. dropped 7% to $1,154.23 after the streaming services provider reported mixed third-quarter results.
Revenue in the period increased to $11.5 billion from $9.8 billion, net income advanced to $2.5 billion from $2.4 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $5.87 from $5.40 a year ago.
The streaming service provider attributed weaker-than-estimated earnings to the ongoing $619 million tax expense with the Brazilian tax department.
Western Alliance Bancorp rose 2.4% to $78.06 after the regional bank reported better-than-expected third-quarter earnings.
Net revenue increased 10.9% to $938.2 million, net income advanced 9.5% to $260.5 million from $237.8 million, and diluted earnings per share rose 10.1% to $2.28 from $2.07 a year ago.
Coca-Cola Company jumped 4% to $71.22, and the beverage company reported better-than-expected revenue and earnings in the third quarter.
The resilient demand for zero-sugar beverages and Fairlife, ultra-filtered milk, in the U.S. supported the 1% increase in global unit sales, while the price rose 6% from a year ago.
Revenue in the period increased 5% to $12.5 billion from $11.8 billion, net income advanced to $3.8 billion from $2.9 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to 86 cents from 66 cents a year ago.
The company reiterated adjusted revenue growth between 5% and 6%, and comparable adjusted earnings per share to increase 3% to $2.88.
The Atlanta-based beverage company is set to launch the U.S. launch of the 7.5-ounce single-serve sugarcane drink this fall, priced at less than $2 in convenience stores.
Japan's Indexes Struggled to Rise Above Flatline, Exports and Imports Advanced In September
Akira Ito
22 Oct, 2025
Tokyo
Stocks in Tokyo recovered from the morning's losses on Thursday, and investors shifted their focus to a flood of earnings results next week.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up a fraction, and the broader Topix advanced 0.7% amid receding optimism about additional fiscal stimulus.
Japan's newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is likely to face hurdles in pushing through fiscal reforms, and investors are questioning the sustainability of the coalition between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party.
Japan's Exports and Imports Advanced In September
Japan posted a trade deficit in September after the government's continued fuel subsidies and utility rebates supported higher imports.
Exports increased 4.2% to 9.4 trillion yen, and imports advanced 3.3% to 9.6 trillion yen, resulting in a narrower trade deficit of 234.6 billion yen compared to 306.1 billion yen a year ago.
Goods shipments to the U.S. fell for the sixth consecutive month amid weaker demand for chip-making equipment, automobiles, and electrical equipment.
Despite a relief in U.S. tariffs, exports to the U.S. dropped 13.3%, driven by a 24% plunge in automobile shipments, prompting worries that the ongoing margin pressures could slow down domestic wage growth in the immediate future.
Exports increased by 5.8% to China, 8% to ASEAN countries, 5.0% to the European Union, and nearly 19% to the Middle East.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.01% to 49,325.57, and the broader Topix gained 0.7% to 3,271.74.
Tokyo Electron increased 0.2% to ¥30,770.0, Advantest Corp. fell 2.5% to ¥16,960.0, and Disco Corp. was nearly unchanged at ¥52,540.0.
Toyota Motor Corp. increased 3.6% to ¥3,114.0, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. advanced 4.2% to ¥1,618.0, and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. gained 3.6% to ¥378.80.
IHI Corp. increased 6.5% to ¥3,025.0, Fujikura Ltd. inched up 0.5% to ¥16,760.0, and Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. gained 1.2% to ¥55,210.0, and SoftBank Group decreased 4.2% to ¥23,855.0.
Japan's Indexes Struggled to Rise Above Flatline, Exports and Imports Advanced In September
Akira Ito
22 Oct, 2025
Tokyo
Stocks in Tokyo recovered from the morning's losses on Thursday, and investors shifted their focus to a flood of earnings results next week.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up a fraction, and the broader Topix advanced 0.7% amid receding optimism about additional fiscal stimulus.
Japan's newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is likely to face hurdles in pushing through fiscal reforms, and investors are questioning the sustainability of the coalition between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party.
Japan's Exports and Imports Advanced In September
Japan posted a trade deficit in September after the government's continued fuel subsidies and utility rebates supported higher imports.
Exports increased 4.2% to 9.4 trillion yen, and imports advanced 3.3% to 9.6 trillion yen, resulting in a narrower trade deficit of 234.6 billion yen compared to 306.1 billion yen a year ago.
Goods shipments to the U.S. fell for the sixth consecutive month amid weaker demand for chip-making equipment, automobiles, and electrical equipment.
Despite a relief in U.S. tariffs, exports to the U.S. dropped 13.3%, driven by a 24% plunge in automobile shipments, prompting worries that the ongoing margin pressures could slow down domestic wage growth in the immediate future.
Exports increased by 5.8% to China, 8% to ASEAN countries, 5.0% to the European Union, and nearly 19% to the Middle East.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.01% to 49,325.57, and the broader Topix gained 0.7% to 3,271.74.
Tokyo Electron increased 0.2% to ¥30,770.0, Advantest Corp. fell 2.5% to ¥16,960.0, and Disco Corp. was nearly unchanged at ¥52,540.0.
Toyota Motor Corp. increased 3.6% to ¥3,114.0, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. advanced 4.2% to ¥1,618.0, and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. gained 3.6% to ¥378.80.
IHI Corp. increased 6.5% to ¥3,025.0, Fujikura Ltd. inched up 0.5% to ¥16,760.0, and Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. gained 1.2% to ¥55,210.0, and SoftBank Group decreased 4.2% to ¥23,855.0.
Earnings Optimism Lifts U.S. Stocks, Precious Metals Extend Blistering Rally
Barry Adams
20 Oct, 2025
New York City
Stocks in New York advanced on Monday as investors prepared to review a fresh batch of earnings and an inflation update later in the week.
In the week ahead, earnings season ramps up in full swing, and investors are anticipating results from Coca-Cola, Philip Morris, Procter & Gamble, General Electric, GE Aerospace, Tesla, IBM, Netflix, Intuitive Surgical, Intel, CME, and Netflix.
At least 400 companies are scheduled to release their quarterly results, and investors are looking to understand how businesses and consumers are adjusting to Trump's steep tariffs and chaotic administration and rapidly cooling labor market.
The U.S. federal government shutdown is set to enter its fourth week, and the consumer inflation report on Friday will be the only government data reported by a federal agency amid a general data blackout.
U.S. Stock Movers
The S&P 500 index edged up 0.3%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.4%, gold advanced 1.5% to $4,316 an ounce, and silver gained 1% to $52.45 an ounce.
Hologic Inc. gained 4.5% to $73.05 on speculation that the company is in advanced talks with the private equity groups TPG and Blackstone.
The medical technology company is likely to accept a $75 per share deal to go private, valuing the company at $17 billion.
Cleveland-Cliffs jumped 15.4% to $15.30 after the steelmaker's third-quarter results surpassed market expectations.
Revenue increased to $4.7 billion from $4.6 billion, net loss edged up to $234 million from $232 million, and diluted losses per share shrank to 51 cents from 52 cents a year ago.
The company lowered its annual capital expenditure estimate to $525 million from $600 million.
Earnings Optimism Lifts U.S. Stocks, Precious Metals Extend Blistering Rally
Barry Adams
20 Oct, 2025
New York City
Stocks in New York advanced on Monday as investors prepared to review a fresh batch of earnings and an inflation update later in the week.
In the week ahead, earnings season ramps up in full swing, and investors are anticipating results from Coca-Cola, Philip Morris, Procter & Gamble, General Electric, GE Aerospace, Tesla, IBM, Netflix, Intuitive Surgical, Intel, CME, and Netflix.
At least 400 companies are scheduled to release their quarterly results, and investors are looking to understand how businesses and consumers are adjusting to Trump's steep tariffs and chaotic administration and rapidly cooling labor market.
The U.S. federal government shutdown is set to enter its fourth week, and the consumer inflation report on Friday will be the only government data reported by a federal agency amid a general data blackout.
U.S. Stock Movers
The S&P 500 index edged up 0.3%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.4%, gold advanced 1.5% to $4,316 an ounce, and silver gained 1% to $52.45 an ounce.
Hologic Inc. gained 4.5% to $73.05 on speculation that the company is in advanced talks with the private equity groups TPG and Blackstone.
The medical technology company is likely to accept a $75 per share deal to go private, valuing the company at $17 billion.
Cleveland-Cliffs jumped 15.4% to $15.30 after the steelmaker's third-quarter results surpassed market expectations.
Revenue increased to $4.7 billion from $4.6 billion, net loss edged up to $234 million from $232 million, and diluted losses per share shrank to 51 cents from 52 cents a year ago.
The company lowered its annual capital expenditure estimate to $525 million from $600 million.
Japan's Indexes Soared 3% Ahead of Leadership Vote On Tuesday
Akira Ito
20 Oct, 2025
Tokyo
Japan's stock market indexes rebounded on Monday amid improving chances of Takaichi's bid to win the premiership election.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 3%, and the broader Topix advanced 2.2% as investors held out for market-supportive policies.
The Diet is set to elect the next prime minister on Tuesday.
Japan's LDP struck an alliance with the Japan Innovation Party, paving the way for LDP leader Sanae Takaichi to become the next woman prime minister.
Takaichi has supported the extension of ultra-loose monetary policy and additional fiscal stimulus to support economic growth.
Japan's benchmark indexes surged more than 10% over the last three weeks, in what has been widely termed the Takaichi trade.
In the week ahead, investors are awaiting the release of Japan's international trade and inflation data.
September exports are likely to confirm global headwinds rooted in the U.S. tariffs, and the overall and core consumer price inflation are likely to stay above the BoJ's targets.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 3% to 48,985.43, and the broader Topix advanced 2.2% to 3,239.29.
Tokyo Electron advanced 4% to ¥31,330.0, Advantest Corp. gained 3.3% to ¥17,430.0, and Disco Corp. increased 3.3% to ¥53,550.0.
Nippon Yusen KK inched up 1.1% to ¥5,105.0, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. gained 1.5% to ¥2,133.0, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. inched up 1.5% to ¥4,411.0.
Japan's Indexes Soared 3% Ahead of Leadership Vote On Tuesday
Akira Ito
20 Oct, 2025
Tokyo
Japan's stock market indexes rebounded on Monday amid improving chances of Takaichi's bid to win the premiership election.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 3%, and the broader Topix advanced 2.2% as investors held out for market-supportive policies.
The Diet is set to elect the next prime minister on Tuesday.
Japan's LDP struck an alliance with the Japan Innovation Party, paving the way for LDP leader Sanae Takaichi to become the next woman prime minister.
Takaichi has supported the extension of ultra-loose monetary policy and additional fiscal stimulus to support economic growth.
Japan's benchmark indexes surged more than 10% over the last three weeks, in what has been widely termed the Takaichi trade.
In the week ahead, investors are awaiting the release of Japan's international trade and inflation data.
September exports are likely to confirm global headwinds rooted in the U.S. tariffs, and the overall and core consumer price inflation are likely to stay above the BoJ's targets.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 3% to 48,985.43, and the broader Topix advanced 2.2% to 3,239.29.
Tokyo Electron advanced 4% to ¥31,330.0, Advantest Corp. gained 3.3% to ¥17,430.0, and Disco Corp. increased 3.3% to ¥53,550.0.
Nippon Yusen KK inched up 1.1% to ¥5,105.0, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. gained 1.5% to ¥2,133.0, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. inched up 1.5% to ¥4,411.0.
China Stocks Advanced After Mixed Economic Data Confirmed Expansion
Li Chen
20 Oct, 2025
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced on Monday after the release of key economic data.
The Hang Seng Index gained 2.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 0.8% amid hopes of improving US-China relations.
China's third-quarter GDP growth slowed, weighed down by the prolonged property slump and trade tensions with the U.S.
GDP expanded at 4.8% from a year ago in the September quarter, compared to 5.2% in the second quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics reported on Monday.
The economic growth eased to the slowest pace since the third quarter in 2024, as economic activities lost momentum amid trade uncertainties, weakening consumer confidence, and a prolonged slump in the property market.
In the first nine months of the year, the economy expanded at 5.2%.
China's annual retail sales growth slowed to 3% in September, compared to 3.4% in the previous month, the statistical agency said in a separate report.
Retail sales rose at the slowest pace since August 2024, with weaker growth in household appliances, precious jewelry, and sports and entertainment products.
For the nine months to September in 2025, retail sales advanced 4.5% from a year ago.
The property market slump showed no signs of abating, and prices of new and existing homes fell in September.
New home prices across 70 cities declined 2.7%, and existing home prices decreased 0.6% from a year ago, respectively.
The housing market slump extended to the fourth year as several leading developers struggled to complete pre-sold homes and failed to meet loan agreements set by lenders.
Consumer sentiment remained depressed amid a faster decline in existing home prices in the second- and third-tier cities, 5.5% and 5.7%, respectively.
Industrial production growth accelerated in September, as manufacturing and mining output surged, the statistical agency said on Monday.
Industrial output expanded 6.5% from a year ago in September, compared to an annual pace of 5.2% in the previous month.
Output in the manufacturing sector surged to an annual pace of 7.3%, and output in the mining sector advanced to 6.4%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index jumped 2.2% to 25,855.15, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index added 0.8% to 4,550.33.
Property stocks faced selling pressure after the September home sales data confirmed the prolonged slump.
Longfor Group Holdings decreased 1.4% to HK $10.26, China Vanke Company edged up 0.9% to HK $4.56, and Sun Hung Kai Properties added 1.8% to HK $94.40.
Alibaba Group Holding soared 4.9% to HK $162.10, Tencent Holdings Ltd. added 3.8% to HK $631.0, and Meituan advanced 2.4% to HK $96.75.
China Stocks Advanced After Mixed Economic Data Confirmed Expansion
Li Chen
20 Oct, 2025
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced on Monday after the release of key economic data.
The Hang Seng Index gained 2.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 0.8% amid hopes of improving US-China relations.
China's third-quarter GDP growth slowed, weighed down by the prolonged property slump and trade tensions with the U.S.
GDP expanded at 4.8% from a year ago in the September quarter, compared to 5.2% in the second quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics reported on Monday.
The economic growth eased to the slowest pace since the third quarter in 2024, as economic activities lost momentum amid trade uncertainties, weakening consumer confidence, and a prolonged slump in the property market.
In the first nine months of the year, the economy expanded at 5.2%.
China's annual retail sales growth slowed to 3% in September, compared to 3.4% in the previous month, the statistical agency said in a separate report.
Retail sales rose at the slowest pace since August 2024, with weaker growth in household appliances, precious jewelry, and sports and entertainment products.
For the nine months to September in 2025, retail sales advanced 4.5% from a year ago.
The property market slump showed no signs of abating, and prices of new and existing homes fell in September.
New home prices across 70 cities declined 2.7%, and existing home prices decreased 0.6% from a year ago, respectively.
The housing market slump extended to the fourth year as several leading developers struggled to complete pre-sold homes and failed to meet loan agreements set by lenders.
Consumer sentiment remained depressed amid a faster decline in existing home prices in the second- and third-tier cities, 5.5% and 5.7%, respectively.
Industrial production growth accelerated in September, as manufacturing and mining output surged, the statistical agency said on Monday.
Industrial output expanded 6.5% from a year ago in September, compared to an annual pace of 5.2% in the previous month.
Output in the manufacturing sector surged to an annual pace of 7.3%, and output in the mining sector advanced to 6.4%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index jumped 2.2% to 25,855.15, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index added 0.8% to 4,550.33.
Property stocks faced selling pressure after the September home sales data confirmed the prolonged slump.
Longfor Group Holdings decreased 1.4% to HK $10.26, China Vanke Company edged up 0.9% to HK $4.56, and Sun Hung Kai Properties added 1.8% to HK $94.40.
Alibaba Group Holding soared 4.9% to HK $162.10, Tencent Holdings Ltd. added 3.8% to HK $631.0, and Meituan advanced 2.4% to HK $96.75.
Stocks Struggled to Advance Amid Loan Worries Compounded By Tariff Uncertainty
Barry Adams
17 Oct, 2025
New York City
Investors shied away from high-growth and riskier stocks after worries about the regional bank's loan practices resurfaced.
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.8%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1% amid growing worries about the health of the regional banks.
Regional banks dropped after Zions Bank and Western Alliance reported a rise in bad loans, sparking worries about the financial health of mid-sized banks.
Market volatility reached the level last seen in April on Thursday, and gold prices rose to new record highs as investors sought safe haven assets amid Trump's tariff whiplash and constantly changing trade policy.
The federal government shutdown entered its third week, resulting in an indefinite delay in the release of crucial economic data covering the labor market, consumer spending, and international trade.
U.S. Stock Movers
CSX Corp. increased 2.1% to $36.75, and the railroad operator's third-quarter results surpassed market expectations.
Revenue decreased 1% to $3.6 billion, net income plunged 22% to $694 million from $894 million, and diluted earnings per share dropped to 37 cents from 46 cents a year ago.
"Volumes totaled 1.6 million units in the quarter, as the effects of the lower export coal prices and a decline in merchandise volume were partially offset by an increase in other revenue, higher pricing in merchandise, and intermodal volume growth," the company said in a statement to investors.
During the quarter, the company repurchased three million of its own shares at an average price of $33.07, resulting in a total of $112 million.
Over the nine months, the railroad company acquired a total of 41 million shares for $1.26 billion, averaging $30.61 per share.
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. decreased 4.1% to $65.71, despite the global brokerage firm reporting better-than-expected third-quarter results.
Total net revenue increased to $1.65 billion from $1.36 billion, net income attributable to common stockholders advanced to $263 million from $184 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to 59 cents from 42 cents a year ago.
Customer accounts increased 32% to 4.13 million, margin loans soared 39% to $77.3 billion, and customer credits increased 33% to $154.8 billion, driving the net interest income higher by 21% to $967 million.
Stocks Struggled to Advance Amid Loan Worries Compounded By Tariff Uncertainty
Barry Adams
17 Oct, 2025
New York City
Investors shied away from high-growth and riskier stocks after worries about the regional bank's loan practices resurfaced.
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.8%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1% amid growing worries about the health of the regional banks.
Regional banks dropped after Zions Bank and Western Alliance reported a rise in bad loans, sparking worries about the financial health of mid-sized banks.
Market volatility reached the level last seen in April on Thursday, and gold prices rose to new record highs as investors sought safe haven assets amid Trump's tariff whiplash and constantly changing trade policy.
The federal government shutdown entered its third week, resulting in an indefinite delay in the release of crucial economic data covering the labor market, consumer spending, and international trade.
U.S. Stock Movers
CSX Corp. increased 2.1% to $36.75, and the railroad operator's third-quarter results surpassed market expectations.
Revenue decreased 1% to $3.6 billion, net income plunged 22% to $694 million from $894 million, and diluted earnings per share dropped to 37 cents from 46 cents a year ago.
"Volumes totaled 1.6 million units in the quarter, as the effects of the lower export coal prices and a decline in merchandise volume were partially offset by an increase in other revenue, higher pricing in merchandise, and intermodal volume growth," the company said in a statement to investors.
During the quarter, the company repurchased three million of its own shares at an average price of $33.07, resulting in a total of $112 million.
Over the nine months, the railroad company acquired a total of 41 million shares for $1.26 billion, averaging $30.61 per share.
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. decreased 4.1% to $65.71, despite the global brokerage firm reporting better-than-expected third-quarter results.
Total net revenue increased to $1.65 billion from $1.36 billion, net income attributable to common stockholders advanced to $263 million from $184 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to 59 cents from 42 cents a year ago.
Customer accounts increased 32% to 4.13 million, margin loans soared 39% to $77.3 billion, and customer credits increased 33% to $154.8 billion, driving the net interest income higher by 21% to $967 million.
China Indexes Faced Headwinds Amid Trade Uncertainty and Persistent Deflationary Trend
Li Chen
17 Oct, 2025
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong closed down on Friday and extended weekly losses amid heightened trade uncertainty.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 1.3% ahead of the release of key macroeconomic data on Monday.
The National Bureau of Statistics is set to release China's retail sales and industrial production data on Monday, and economists are signaling caution.
Nominal retail sales in September are likely to advance about 3%, and industrial production is expected to increase 5%, slower than the annual rise of 5.2% in August.
Retail sales in September are expected to advance 3.5%, slightly higher than the 3.4% in August, reflecting a pre-Golden Week holiday surge.
China's Communist Party is scheduled to start its four-day plenary meeting on Monday, and policymakers are set to discuss social and economic development goals for the next five years.
Gold and silver marched further into record territory, supported by additional purchases by retail investors and sustained buying by central banks in Asia and the Middle East.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index dropped 1.6% to 25,473.09, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index decreased 1.3% to 4,559.93.
For the week, the Hang Seng Index extended losses to 0.8%, and the CSI index edged up 1.4%.
Airline stocks were volatile after September traffic rose more than expected, driven by the sustained rise in domestic demand.
Air China decreased 0.2% to HK $5.89, China Southern Airlines added 0.7% to HK $4.43, China Eastern Air added 2.2% to HK $3.62, and Cathay Pacific Group fell 1.1% to HK $10.65.
Domestic airlines advanced despite the potential U.S. ban on use of Russian airspace for arrivals to U.S. destinations, and the U.S. Department of Transportation is likely to expand its list to include Cathay Pacific.
China Indexes Faced Headwinds Amid Trade Uncertainty and Persistent Deflationary Trend
Li Chen
17 Oct, 2025
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong closed down on Friday and extended weekly losses amid heightened trade uncertainty.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 1.3% ahead of the release of key macroeconomic data on Monday.
The National Bureau of Statistics is set to release China's retail sales and industrial production data on Monday, and economists are signaling caution.
Nominal retail sales in September are likely to advance about 3%, and industrial production is expected to increase 5%, slower than the annual rise of 5.2% in August.
Retail sales in September are expected to advance 3.5%, slightly higher than the 3.4% in August, reflecting a pre-Golden Week holiday surge.
China's Communist Party is scheduled to start its four-day plenary meeting on Monday, and policymakers are set to discuss social and economic development goals for the next five years.
Gold and silver marched further into record territory, supported by additional purchases by retail investors and sustained buying by central banks in Asia and the Middle East.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index dropped 1.6% to 25,473.09, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index decreased 1.3% to 4,559.93.
For the week, the Hang Seng Index extended losses to 0.8%, and the CSI index edged up 1.4%.
Airline stocks were volatile after September traffic rose more than expected, driven by the sustained rise in domestic demand.
Air China decreased 0.2% to HK $5.89, China Southern Airlines added 0.7% to HK $4.43, China Eastern Air added 2.2% to HK $3.62, and Cathay Pacific Group fell 1.1% to HK $10.65.
Domestic airlines advanced despite the potential U.S. ban on use of Russian airspace for arrivals to U.S. destinations, and the U.S. Department of Transportation is likely to expand its list to include Cathay Pacific.