Market Update
China Holds Loan Prime Rates Steady, Tencent Holdings and Ping An Insurance In Focus
Li Chen
20 Mar, 2025
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong edged lower, and the central bank held its reference rates steady.
The Hang Seng index dropped nearly 2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index declined nearly 1% after the People's Bank of China announced its rate decisions.
The People's Bank of China held steady the 5-year and the 3-year Loan Prime Rate at 3.6% and 3.1%, respectively, dashing hopes of a widely anticipated rate cut.
Market sentiment weakened after investors worried about the lack of improvement in aggregate consumer demand and a lack of progress in implementing previously announced stimulus measures.
Investors sold stocks despite the U.S. Federal Reserve holding its key interest rate range steady, but the central bank signaled the possibility of as many as two additional rate cuts in the year.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy is more likely to be "transitory," and the central bank lowered its annual economic growth estimate to 1.7% from 2.1% announced in December.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index declined 1.9% to 24,313.45, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 0.9% to 3,974.88.
Tencent Holdings decreased 3.5% to HK $520.50, and the parent company of popular chat platform WeChat reported a surge in annual net income, driven by a robust revenue increase in its gaming business.
Revenue increased 11% while net income attributable to shareholders rose 90% from a year ago in 2024.
Ping An Insurance declined 4.5% to HK $49.55, and the mainland-based insurance company reported a 48% increase in annual profit in 2024.
China Holds Loan Prime Rates Steady, Tencent Holdings and Ping An Insurance In Focus
Li Chen
20 Mar, 2025
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong edged lower, and the central bank held its reference rates steady.
The Hang Seng index dropped nearly 2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index declined nearly 1% after the People's Bank of China announced its rate decisions.
The People's Bank of China held steady the 5-year and the 3-year Loan Prime Rate at 3.6% and 3.1%, respectively, dashing hopes of a widely anticipated rate cut.
Market sentiment weakened after investors worried about the lack of improvement in aggregate consumer demand and a lack of progress in implementing previously announced stimulus measures.
Investors sold stocks despite the U.S. Federal Reserve holding its key interest rate range steady, but the central bank signaled the possibility of as many as two additional rate cuts in the year.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy is more likely to be "transitory," and the central bank lowered its annual economic growth estimate to 1.7% from 2.1% announced in December.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index declined 1.9% to 24,313.45, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 0.9% to 3,974.88.
Tencent Holdings decreased 3.5% to HK $520.50, and the parent company of popular chat platform WeChat reported a surge in annual net income, driven by a robust revenue increase in its gaming business.
Revenue increased 11% while net income attributable to shareholders rose 90% from a year ago in 2024.
Ping An Insurance declined 4.5% to HK $49.55, and the mainland-based insurance company reported a 48% increase in annual profit in 2024.
Stock Movers: D-Link, AkzoNobel India, Excel Industries, Venky's, Om Infra, Gloster, Gillanders Arbuthnot, Bajaj Hindusthan
Arun Goswami
20 Mar, 2025
Mumbai
D-Link (India) Ltd. rose 1.6% to ₹436 after the networking and connectivity products and solutions provider reported a 13% increase in net income and revenue in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹335.4 crore from ₹297.6 crore, net income increased to ₹26.5 crore from ₹23 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹7.47 from ₹6.46 a year ago.
AkzoNobel India Limited increased 2.3% to ₹3,298.9 after the decorative paints and specialty chemicals maker reported a slight increase in revenue and a marginal decline in net in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹1,056.5 crore from ₹1,041.1 crore, net income fell to ₹108.6 crore from ₹113.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share declined to ₹23.85 from ₹24.99 a year ago.
Excel Industries Ltd. advanced 1.1% to ₹896.55 after the chemical manufacturer and supplier reported a two-fold increase in earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue increased to ₹201.5 crore from ₹191.3 crore, net income jumped to ₹6.4 crore from ₹2.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹5.09 from ₹2.26 a year ago.
Venkys (India) Ltd. jumped 3.3% to ₹1,604.95 after the integrated poultry company's net income swung to a profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹893.4 crore from ₹963 crore, net income swung to a profit of ₹20.4 crore from a loss of ₹8 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to an income of ₹14.47 from a loss of ₹5.63 a year ago.
Om Infra Limited gained 1.6% to ₹118.40 despite the company reported a 25% plunge in quarterly profit from a year ago.
Consolidated revenue decreased to ₹145.4 crore from ₹291.1 crore, net income fell to ₹4.6 crore from ₹6.1 crore, and diluted earnings per share declined to 47 paisa from 59 paisa a year ago.
Gloster Ltd. edged higher 3.8% to ₹601.95 after jute manufacturing reported a slight increase in revenue and a 62% plunge from a year ago in quarterly profit.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹184.6 crore from ₹140.9 crore, net income dropped to ₹0.83 crore from ₹2.2 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to 76 paisa from ₹1.99 a year ago.
Gillanders Arbuthnot & Co. Ltd. inched higher 2.5% to ₹97.65 after the multi-divisional pan-Indian company’s net income swung to a profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹128.8 crore from ₹130.3 crore, net income swung to a profit of ₹13 crore from a loss of ₹22.3 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to an income of ₹6.11 from a loss of ₹10.47 a year ago.
Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Limited decreased 0.4% to ₹20.38 after the sugar and ethanol maker swung to a loss in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹1,467.8 crore from ₹1,733.2 crore, net losses swung to ₹99.3 crore from a profit of ₹19.4 crore, and diluted earnings per share swung to a loss of 80 paise from a profit of 16 paise a year ago.
Stock Movers: D-Link, AkzoNobel India, Excel Industries, Venky's, Om Infra, Gloster, Gillanders Arbuthnot, Bajaj Hindusthan
Arun Goswami
20 Mar, 2025
Mumbai
D-Link (India) Ltd. rose 1.6% to ₹436 after the networking and connectivity products and solutions provider reported a 13% increase in net income and revenue in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹335.4 crore from ₹297.6 crore, net income increased to ₹26.5 crore from ₹23 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹7.47 from ₹6.46 a year ago.
AkzoNobel India Limited increased 2.3% to ₹3,298.9 after the decorative paints and specialty chemicals maker reported a slight increase in revenue and a marginal decline in net in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹1,056.5 crore from ₹1,041.1 crore, net income fell to ₹108.6 crore from ₹113.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share declined to ₹23.85 from ₹24.99 a year ago.
Excel Industries Ltd. advanced 1.1% to ₹896.55 after the chemical manufacturer and supplier reported a two-fold increase in earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue increased to ₹201.5 crore from ₹191.3 crore, net income jumped to ₹6.4 crore from ₹2.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹5.09 from ₹2.26 a year ago.
Venkys (India) Ltd. jumped 3.3% to ₹1,604.95 after the integrated poultry company's net income swung to a profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹893.4 crore from ₹963 crore, net income swung to a profit of ₹20.4 crore from a loss of ₹8 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to an income of ₹14.47 from a loss of ₹5.63 a year ago.
Om Infra Limited gained 1.6% to ₹118.40 despite the company reported a 25% plunge in quarterly profit from a year ago.
Consolidated revenue decreased to ₹145.4 crore from ₹291.1 crore, net income fell to ₹4.6 crore from ₹6.1 crore, and diluted earnings per share declined to 47 paisa from 59 paisa a year ago.
Gloster Ltd. edged higher 3.8% to ₹601.95 after jute manufacturing reported a slight increase in revenue and a 62% plunge from a year ago in quarterly profit.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹184.6 crore from ₹140.9 crore, net income dropped to ₹0.83 crore from ₹2.2 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to 76 paisa from ₹1.99 a year ago.
Gillanders Arbuthnot & Co. Ltd. inched higher 2.5% to ₹97.65 after the multi-divisional pan-Indian company’s net income swung to a profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹128.8 crore from ₹130.3 crore, net income swung to a profit of ₹13 crore from a loss of ₹22.3 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to an income of ₹6.11 from a loss of ₹10.47 a year ago.
Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Limited decreased 0.4% to ₹20.38 after the sugar and ethanol maker swung to a loss in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹1,467.8 crore from ₹1,733.2 crore, net losses swung to ₹99.3 crore from a profit of ₹19.4 crore, and diluted earnings per share swung to a loss of 80 paise from a profit of 16 paise a year ago.
S&P 500 and Nasdaq Jump Higher Ahead of Fed Rate Decisions
Barry Adams
19 Mar, 2025
New York City
Market sentiment on Wall Street improved ahead of the Federal Reserve's rate decisions later in the day.
The S&P 500 index gained 0.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.9%, with investors widely anticipating the Federal Reserve to hold its interest rate range unrevised after a two-day policy meeting later in the day.
The Federal Reserve is scheduled to announce its decision at 2:00 p.m. ET and release projections on interest rates and estimates on economic growth, the jobless rate, and inflation.
Investors have lowered their future rate cut expectations to 2 from 4 amid the Trump administration's trade policy uncertainty and worries of resurgent inflation.
Benchmark indexes resumed selling on Tuesday after rising in the previous two sessions, as investors grapple with softer economic data and the chaotic start of the Trump administration and self-inflicted tariff war to finance tax cuts for the wealthy.
The S&P 500 index entered into correction territory, and the Nasdaq Composite deepened losses into correction—reflecting losses of 10% or more from its recent highs.
Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields
The S&P 500 index increased 0.4% to 5,637.85, the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.6% to 17,604.72, and the Russell 2000 index was up 0.3% to 2,055.24.
The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged higher to 4.09%, 10-year Treasury notes increased to 4.30%, and 30-year Treasury bonds advanced to 4.59%.
WTI crude oil decreased by $0.18 to $66.71 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged higher by $0.09 to $4.14 a thermal unit.
Gold decreased by $2.56 to $3,028.79 an ounce, and silver edged down by $0.35 to $33.61.
The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, increased 0.42 to 103.66 and traded at a two-year high.
U.S. Movers
General Mills Inc. declined 2.8% to $58.73, and the food product maker reported weaker-than-expected third-quarter revenue, and the company lowered its full-year outlook.
HealthEquity Inc. plunged 20% to $80.94, and the health expense-focused account management company reported weaker-than-expected fourth quarter results.
Boeing Company gained 6.4% to $171.79 after the chief financial officer said cash burn is easing in an interview with CNBC.
S&P 500 and Nasdaq Jump Higher Ahead of Fed Rate Decisions
Barry Adams
19 Mar, 2025
New York City
Market sentiment on Wall Street improved ahead of the Federal Reserve's rate decisions later in the day.
The S&P 500 index gained 0.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.9%, with investors widely anticipating the Federal Reserve to hold its interest rate range unrevised after a two-day policy meeting later in the day.
The Federal Reserve is scheduled to announce its decision at 2:00 p.m. ET and release projections on interest rates and estimates on economic growth, the jobless rate, and inflation.
Investors have lowered their future rate cut expectations to 2 from 4 amid the Trump administration's trade policy uncertainty and worries of resurgent inflation.
Benchmark indexes resumed selling on Tuesday after rising in the previous two sessions, as investors grapple with softer economic data and the chaotic start of the Trump administration and self-inflicted tariff war to finance tax cuts for the wealthy.
The S&P 500 index entered into correction territory, and the Nasdaq Composite deepened losses into correction—reflecting losses of 10% or more from its recent highs.
Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields
The S&P 500 index increased 0.4% to 5,637.85, the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.6% to 17,604.72, and the Russell 2000 index was up 0.3% to 2,055.24.
The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged higher to 4.09%, 10-year Treasury notes increased to 4.30%, and 30-year Treasury bonds advanced to 4.59%.
WTI crude oil decreased by $0.18 to $66.71 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged higher by $0.09 to $4.14 a thermal unit.
Gold decreased by $2.56 to $3,028.79 an ounce, and silver edged down by $0.35 to $33.61.
The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, increased 0.42 to 103.66 and traded at a two-year high.
U.S. Movers
General Mills Inc. declined 2.8% to $58.73, and the food product maker reported weaker-than-expected third-quarter revenue, and the company lowered its full-year outlook.
HealthEquity Inc. plunged 20% to $80.94, and the health expense-focused account management company reported weaker-than-expected fourth quarter results.
Boeing Company gained 6.4% to $171.79 after the chief financial officer said cash burn is easing in an interview with CNBC.
European Bond Investors Worry About German Defense and Infrastructure Stimulus Size
Bridgette Randall
19 Mar, 2025
London
European markets rested after advancing in the previous session following a historic constitutional amendment in Germany and Ukraine ceasefire talks.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt, Paris and Milan traded around the flatline as investors reviewed the details of the debt brake revision in Germany.
Late Tuesday, Germany's Bundestag approved a measure to exclude defense spending from the structural deficit calculation, allowing the new coalition government to ramp up arms spending without any upper limit.
German coalition government is likely to increase defense spending from the current 0.35% to as high as 3.5% of GDP, starting from the current fiscal year.
The presumed German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, announced a €500 billion fund to invest in replacing Germany's ageing infrastructure fund, after an agreement with the Green Pary to dedicated about €100 billion in climate control related investments.
The debt brake revision provides a much needed shot to revive economic growth, support the European Union's efforts in Ukraine, and improve Europe's military security.
The Bundesrat, the upper house of the parliament, is scheduled to approve the landmark bill on Friday.
Ukraine and Russian ramped up militarty atacks after Russia agreed to a temporary halt on attacks on energy and other vital infrastrucure in Ukraine, after leaders of Russia and the U.S. held formal talks on Tuesday.
On the economic front, the Euro Area wage growth in the fourth quarter of 2024 slowed to an annual 4.1% from the downwardly revised 4.3% in the third quarter, Eurostat reported on Wednesday.
Wage growth in France eased to 1.7% from 2.7%, in Spain to 3.2% from 4.9%, and in Belgium to 2.2% from 2.6%, but accelerated in the Netherlands to 6.2% from 5.9%, in Germany o 4.4% from 4.0%, and Ireland to 5.4% from 5.2% in the third quarter, respectively.
However, wage growth in Italy was steady at 4.3%.
Europe Movers
Eseentra plc dropped 5.5% to 109.33 pence, and the essential product maker reported a decline in organic sales growth in 2024.
Vonovia SE dropped 1.7% to €25.08, and the German real estate developer reported a narrower loss in the fiscal 2024.
Rio Tinto plc decreased 0.1% to 4,903.0 pence, and the company's management urged shareholders to vote against the proposal by a hedge fund to review company's dual listing in London and Sydney.
Traton SE dropped 5.5% to €33.70 after the parent company Volkswagen AG said it sold 2.2% stake in the commercial vehicle maker for €360 million.
European Bond Investors Worry About German Defense and Infrastructure Stimulus Size
Bridgette Randall
19 Mar, 2025
London
European markets rested after advancing in the previous session following a historic constitutional amendment in Germany and Ukraine ceasefire talks.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt, Paris and Milan traded around the flatline as investors reviewed the details of the debt brake revision in Germany.
Late Tuesday, Germany's Bundestag approved a measure to exclude defense spending from the structural deficit calculation, allowing the new coalition government to ramp up arms spending without any upper limit.
German coalition government is likely to increase defense spending from the current 0.35% to as high as 3.5% of GDP, starting from the current fiscal year.
The presumed German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, announced a €500 billion fund to invest in replacing Germany's ageing infrastructure fund, after an agreement with the Green Pary to dedicated about €100 billion in climate control related investments.
The debt brake revision provides a much needed shot to revive economic growth, support the European Union's efforts in Ukraine, and improve Europe's military security.
The Bundesrat, the upper house of the parliament, is scheduled to approve the landmark bill on Friday.
Ukraine and Russian ramped up militarty atacks after Russia agreed to a temporary halt on attacks on energy and other vital infrastrucure in Ukraine, after leaders of Russia and the U.S. held formal talks on Tuesday.
On the economic front, the Euro Area wage growth in the fourth quarter of 2024 slowed to an annual 4.1% from the downwardly revised 4.3% in the third quarter, Eurostat reported on Wednesday.
Wage growth in France eased to 1.7% from 2.7%, in Spain to 3.2% from 4.9%, and in Belgium to 2.2% from 2.6%, but accelerated in the Netherlands to 6.2% from 5.9%, in Germany o 4.4% from 4.0%, and Ireland to 5.4% from 5.2% in the third quarter, respectively.
However, wage growth in Italy was steady at 4.3%.
Europe Movers
Eseentra plc dropped 5.5% to 109.33 pence, and the essential product maker reported a decline in organic sales growth in 2024.
Vonovia SE dropped 1.7% to €25.08, and the German real estate developer reported a narrower loss in the fiscal 2024.
Rio Tinto plc decreased 0.1% to 4,903.0 pence, and the company's management urged shareholders to vote against the proposal by a hedge fund to review company's dual listing in London and Sydney.
Traton SE dropped 5.5% to €33.70 after the parent company Volkswagen AG said it sold 2.2% stake in the commercial vehicle maker for €360 million.
Bank of Japan Holds Rates Steady, Japan's Trade Balance Swings to Surplus
Akira Ito
19 Mar, 2025
Tokyo
Japan's stock market indexes traded in a tight range as investors reviewed monetary policy decisions and an international trade balance update.
The Nikkei 225 stock average closed down 0.3%, and the broader TOPIX added 0.5% after two benchmark indexes diverged.
BoJ Holds Rates Steady, Citing Global Trade Uncertainties
The Bank of Japan held its short-term interest rate around 0.5%, as widely anticipated, and the central bank halted its rate hike after lifting rates in three previous meetings.
The monetary policy committee took a cautious view of Japan's export-driven economy amid rising trade tensions with the U.S. and slowing economic growth in China.
The committee noted that private consumption continued to advance, driven by an increase in wages despite rising cost pressures, but exports and industrial output lacked momentum and were nearly unchanged.
The annual rate of inflation ranged between 3% and 3.5%, largely because of a jump in prices for services, and underlying retail inflation is expected to grow at a moderate pace in the months ahead.
The yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds was nearly unchanged at 1.5% after the Bank of Japan's widely anticipated rate decisions.
Japan's Trade Balance Swings to Surplus in February
On the economic front, Japan's trade balance swung to a surplus after exports advanced in February. Exports may have been benefitted because of front loading by customers ahead of higher tariffs in the U.S.
Japan’s trade balance swung to a surplus of 584.5 billion yen in February from a deficit of 415.43 billion in the same month a year earlier.
The rebound in exports by 11.4% to 9.2 trillion yen, the fastest increase since May 2024, drove the reversal in the trade balance.
Exports to the U.S. increased 10.5%, and to China, they advanced 14.1%, according to the data released by the Ministry of Finance.
Shipments to China may have been positively affected by the calendar shift of the Lunar New Year holiday ending earlier than usual.
The yen weakened an average of 4.3% from a year ago to 154.61 against the dollar in February, the Finance Ministry said.
However, imports declined by 0.7% to 8.6 trillion, marking the first contraction since November.
This decline followed a strong 16.2% jump in January, the largest increase in nearly two years.
Japan's trade gap with the U.S. rose 29% to 918.8 billion yen, driven in part by a 14% rise in automobile exports, which is likely to cause the Trump administration to demand more actions from the Japanese government to address the persistent trade deficit.
In 2024, Japan recorded a trade deficit of 5.3 trillion yen, significantly narrower than the 9.5 trillion yen shortfall in the previous year.
Japan Indexes and Movers
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.3% to 37,751.88, and the broader TOPIX added 0.5% to 2,795.96.
Trading houses were among the most actively traded stocks in Tokyo for the second day in a row after Berkshire Hathaway increased its stakes in five leading companies between 8.5% and 9.8%.
Mitsui & Co. Ltd. increased 2.9% to ¥2,977.0, Sumitomo Corp. advanced 1.1% to ¥3,658.0, Marubeni Corp. gained 2.5% to ¥2,588.50, Itochu Corp. jumped 3.9% to ¥7,393.0, and Mitsubishi edged up 3% to ¥2,824.50.
Berkshire acquired initial stakes in five trading houses in mid-2019 at an aggregate cost of $13.8 billion, which had a market value of $23.5 billion at the end of 2024, according to company's regulatory filings.
On Thursday, Japanese markets will be closed for the Vernal Equinox holiday.
Bank of Japan Holds Rates Steady, Japan's Trade Balance Swings to Surplus
Akira Ito
19 Mar, 2025
Tokyo
Japan's stock market indexes traded in a tight range as investors reviewed monetary policy decisions and an international trade balance update.
The Nikkei 225 stock average closed down 0.3%, and the broader TOPIX added 0.5% after two benchmark indexes diverged.
BoJ Holds Rates Steady, Citing Global Trade Uncertainties
The Bank of Japan held its short-term interest rate around 0.5%, as widely anticipated, and the central bank halted its rate hike after lifting rates in three previous meetings.
The monetary policy committee took a cautious view of Japan's export-driven economy amid rising trade tensions with the U.S. and slowing economic growth in China.
The committee noted that private consumption continued to advance, driven by an increase in wages despite rising cost pressures, but exports and industrial output lacked momentum and were nearly unchanged.
The annual rate of inflation ranged between 3% and 3.5%, largely because of a jump in prices for services, and underlying retail inflation is expected to grow at a moderate pace in the months ahead.
The yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds was nearly unchanged at 1.5% after the Bank of Japan's widely anticipated rate decisions.
Japan's Trade Balance Swings to Surplus in February
On the economic front, Japan's trade balance swung to a surplus after exports advanced in February. Exports may have been benefitted because of front loading by customers ahead of higher tariffs in the U.S.
Japan’s trade balance swung to a surplus of 584.5 billion yen in February from a deficit of 415.43 billion in the same month a year earlier.
The rebound in exports by 11.4% to 9.2 trillion yen, the fastest increase since May 2024, drove the reversal in the trade balance.
Exports to the U.S. increased 10.5%, and to China, they advanced 14.1%, according to the data released by the Ministry of Finance.
Shipments to China may have been positively affected by the calendar shift of the Lunar New Year holiday ending earlier than usual.
The yen weakened an average of 4.3% from a year ago to 154.61 against the dollar in February, the Finance Ministry said.
However, imports declined by 0.7% to 8.6 trillion, marking the first contraction since November.
This decline followed a strong 16.2% jump in January, the largest increase in nearly two years.
Japan's trade gap with the U.S. rose 29% to 918.8 billion yen, driven in part by a 14% rise in automobile exports, which is likely to cause the Trump administration to demand more actions from the Japanese government to address the persistent trade deficit.
In 2024, Japan recorded a trade deficit of 5.3 trillion yen, significantly narrower than the 9.5 trillion yen shortfall in the previous year.
Japan Indexes and Movers
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.3% to 37,751.88, and the broader TOPIX added 0.5% to 2,795.96.
Trading houses were among the most actively traded stocks in Tokyo for the second day in a row after Berkshire Hathaway increased its stakes in five leading companies between 8.5% and 9.8%.
Mitsui & Co. Ltd. increased 2.9% to ¥2,977.0, Sumitomo Corp. advanced 1.1% to ¥3,658.0, Marubeni Corp. gained 2.5% to ¥2,588.50, Itochu Corp. jumped 3.9% to ¥7,393.0, and Mitsubishi edged up 3% to ¥2,824.50.
China and Hong Kong Indexes Meander Ahead of Flood of Earnings
Li Chen
19 Mar, 2025
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong meandered around the flatline, and investors prepared to review a flood of earnings results from leading companies this week.
The Hang Seng index closed up 0.1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index edged up 0.06%, ahead of earnings from Tencent Holdings.
Investors are awaiting earnings results from several leading companies, including results from Ping An Insurance, Geely Automotive, FILA Holdings, ANTA Sports, and Longfor Group.
The Hang Seng index has rebounded over the last six weeks and extended 2025 gains to lead world market indexes amid hopes that Chinese companies' earnings growth is likely to surpass low market expectations.
Moreover, leading tech companies Tencent Holdings, Alibaba Group, JD.com, and Baidu.com are likely to benefit from affordable access to artificial intelligence technology infrastructure developed by DeepSeek.
China's semiconductor companies are expected to develop homegrown chip design and manufacturing processes to build servers capable of handling queries for artificial intelligence applications.
Hong Kong investors awaited monetary policy decisions and economic projections from the U.S. Federal Reserve later today, and the central bank is expected to hold steady its fed funds rate range between 4.25% and 4.50%.
Investors have lowered expectations of additional rate cuts to two from four at the end of last year, after the Trump administration slapped tariffs on key trading partners China, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index added 0.1% to 24,774.02, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index increased 0.1% to 4,010.17.
Tencent Holdings Ltd. increased 0.2% to HK $542.0, Baidu Inc. declined 4% to HK $99.20, and Alibaba Group Holding declined 1.5% to HK $141.20.
China Vanke Co. Ltd. increased 0.5% to HK $6.17, Longfor Group Holdings Ltd. decreased 0.9% to HK $10.92, and Henderson Land Development advanced 0.4% to HK $23.20.
China and Hong Kong Indexes Meander Ahead of Flood of Earnings
Li Chen
19 Mar, 2025
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong meandered around the flatline, and investors prepared to review a flood of earnings results from leading companies this week.
The Hang Seng index closed up 0.1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index edged up 0.06%, ahead of earnings from Tencent Holdings.
Investors are awaiting earnings results from several leading companies, including results from Ping An Insurance, Geely Automotive, FILA Holdings, ANTA Sports, and Longfor Group.
The Hang Seng index has rebounded over the last six weeks and extended 2025 gains to lead world market indexes amid hopes that Chinese companies' earnings growth is likely to surpass low market expectations.
Moreover, leading tech companies Tencent Holdings, Alibaba Group, JD.com, and Baidu.com are likely to benefit from affordable access to artificial intelligence technology infrastructure developed by DeepSeek.
China's semiconductor companies are expected to develop homegrown chip design and manufacturing processes to build servers capable of handling queries for artificial intelligence applications.
Hong Kong investors awaited monetary policy decisions and economic projections from the U.S. Federal Reserve later today, and the central bank is expected to hold steady its fed funds rate range between 4.25% and 4.50%.
Investors have lowered expectations of additional rate cuts to two from four at the end of last year, after the Trump administration slapped tariffs on key trading partners China, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index added 0.1% to 24,774.02, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index increased 0.1% to 4,010.17.
Tencent Holdings Ltd. increased 0.2% to HK $542.0, Baidu Inc. declined 4% to HK $99.20, and Alibaba Group Holding declined 1.5% to HK $141.20.
China Vanke Co. Ltd. increased 0.5% to HK $6.17, Longfor Group Holdings Ltd. decreased 0.9% to HK $10.92, and Henderson Land Development advanced 0.4% to HK $23.20.
India Movers: Chamanlal Setia Exports, HLE Glascoat, HOV Services, Hindustan Composites, Khandwala Securities, Malu Paper, Sambhaav Media
Arun Goswami
19 Mar, 2025
Mumbai
HOV Services Limited jumped 3.2% to ₹45.56 after the software and IT-enabled services provider reported a two-fold increase in earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹6.7 crore from ₹4.4 crore, net income jumped to ₹1.3 crore from ₹0.6 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹1.5 from 50 paise a year ago.
Sambhaav Media Ltd. decreased 1.6% to ₹5.71, and the Gujarat-focused media and entertainment company reported a 25% decline in profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹11.4 crore from ₹11.6 crore, net income decreased to ₹0.3 crore from ₹0.4 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to ₹0.03 from ₹0.06 a year ago.
Malu Paper Mills Ltd. rose 4.2% to ₹34.98 despite the paper maker swinging to a loss in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹62.8 crore from ₹61.5 crore, after-tax losses swung to ₹3.7 crore from a profit of ₹0.4 crore, and diluted losses per share swung to ₹2.15 from a profit of 21 paisa a year ago.
Hindustan Composites Limited increased 0.6% to ₹444 after the asbestos industrial products and friction materials maker reported a 70% increase in net income in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹81.9 crore from ₹71.7 crore, net income increased to ₹11 crore from ₹6.5 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹7.43 from ₹4.37 a year ago.
Butterfly Gandhimathi Appliances Limited gained 1.9% to ₹574.85, and the domestic kitchen and electrical appliances maker's net income swung to a profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹239.2 crore from ₹239.3 crore, net income swung to a profit of ₹8.3 crore from a loss of ₹2.2 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to an income of ₹4.65 from a loss of ₹1.21 a year ago.
Chaman Lal Setia Exports Ltd. inched higher 2% to ₹3190.5 despite the basmati rice processor reporting a 25% plunge in quarterly profit from a year ago.
Consolidated revenue decreased to ₹398.1 crore from ₹404.1 crore, net income declined to ₹29 crore from ₹38.7 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to ₹5.83 from ₹7.49 a year ago.
Khandwala Securities Limited edged higher 2.4% to ₹23.99 despite the financial services company reporting a 67% jump in its earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹3 crore from ₹2.2 crore, net income increased to ₹0.5 crore from ₹0.3 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to 35 paisa from 18 paisa a year ago.
HLE Glascoat Limited advanced 4% to ₹240.10 after the glass-lined filters and dryers’ equipment maker reported a 72% jump in its earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹233 crore from ₹243.3 crore, net income jumped to ₹10.3 crore from ₹6 crore, and diluted earnings per share improved to breakeven from a loss of 5 paisa a year ago.
India Movers: Chamanlal Setia Exports, HLE Glascoat, HOV Services, Hindustan Composites, Khandwala Securities, Malu Paper, Sambhaav Media
Arun Goswami
19 Mar, 2025
Mumbai
HOV Services Limited jumped 3.2% to ₹45.56 after the software and IT-enabled services provider reported a two-fold increase in earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹6.7 crore from ₹4.4 crore, net income jumped to ₹1.3 crore from ₹0.6 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹1.5 from 50 paise a year ago.
Sambhaav Media Ltd. decreased 1.6% to ₹5.71, and the Gujarat-focused media and entertainment company reported a 25% decline in profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹11.4 crore from ₹11.6 crore, net income decreased to ₹0.3 crore from ₹0.4 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to ₹0.03 from ₹0.06 a year ago.
Malu Paper Mills Ltd. rose 4.2% to ₹34.98 despite the paper maker swinging to a loss in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹62.8 crore from ₹61.5 crore, after-tax losses swung to ₹3.7 crore from a profit of ₹0.4 crore, and diluted losses per share swung to ₹2.15 from a profit of 21 paisa a year ago.
Hindustan Composites Limited increased 0.6% to ₹444 after the asbestos industrial products and friction materials maker reported a 70% increase in net income in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹81.9 crore from ₹71.7 crore, net income increased to ₹11 crore from ₹6.5 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹7.43 from ₹4.37 a year ago.
Butterfly Gandhimathi Appliances Limited gained 1.9% to ₹574.85, and the domestic kitchen and electrical appliances maker's net income swung to a profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹239.2 crore from ₹239.3 crore, net income swung to a profit of ₹8.3 crore from a loss of ₹2.2 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to an income of ₹4.65 from a loss of ₹1.21 a year ago.
Chaman Lal Setia Exports Ltd. inched higher 2% to ₹3190.5 despite the basmati rice processor reporting a 25% plunge in quarterly profit from a year ago.
Consolidated revenue decreased to ₹398.1 crore from ₹404.1 crore, net income declined to ₹29 crore from ₹38.7 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to ₹5.83 from ₹7.49 a year ago.
Khandwala Securities Limited edged higher 2.4% to ₹23.99 despite the financial services company reporting a 67% jump in its earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹3 crore from ₹2.2 crore, net income increased to ₹0.5 crore from ₹0.3 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to 35 paisa from 18 paisa a year ago.
HLE Glascoat Limited advanced 4% to ₹240.10 after the glass-lined filters and dryers’ equipment maker reported a 72% jump in its earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹233 crore from ₹243.3 crore, net income jumped to ₹10.3 crore from ₹6 crore, and diluted earnings per share improved to breakeven from a loss of 5 paisa a year ago.
German Lawmakers Approve Constitutional Reform to Increase Defense Spending, 10-Year Yield Held Near 14-Year High
Bridgette Randall
18 Mar, 2025
Frankfurt
Stock market indexes in Europe advanced as investors welcomed the historic debt reform vote in Germany and awaited possible developments in the Ukraine conflict.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and London advanced after the lower house of the German parliament approved the constitutional change, paving the way for additional government spending.
A total of 513 members of the Bundestag voted in favor of increasing the debt brake, higher than the 489 needed for the two-thirds majority, and 207 voted against.
The bill now goes to the upper house of the parliament, the Bundesrat, where members are expected to pass the bill on Friday.
With the higher federal and state debt limit, Germany plans to set up an additional €500 billion fund, or about 11% of GDP, to invest in its faltering infrastructure and pay for the arms production.
With the latest revision, only 1% of defense spending will be financed under the structural deficit spending limit of 0.35% of GDP, and any additional spending with no limits could be financed with additional borrowings.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index increased by 0.9% to 23,367.06, the CAC-40 index edged higher 0.5% to 8,111.97; and the FTSE 100 index advanced by 0.3% to 8,709.17.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.84%, French bonds increased to 3.51%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.69%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.88%.
The euro increased to $1.09; the British pound was higher at $1.30; and the U.S. dollar was lower and traded at 87.96 Swiss cents.
Brent crude increased $0.78 to $71.85 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.12 to €41.34 per MWh.
Europe Stock Movers
Trustpilot Group PLC soared 9.8% to 303.50 pence, and the Danish review management website operator expanded its stock buyback plan by £20 million.
Fresnillo plc jumped 1.8% to 954.50 pence, and the gold miner advanced after the gold price rose 1% and touched a new record high of $3,031.50 per ounce.
Deliveroo plc decreased 1.1% to 120.98 pence, and the food delivery company extended its stock repurchase program.
Volkswagen AG increased 1% to €109.35, and the company's luxury division Audi announced it would eliminate 7,500 jobs, or about 8% of its global workforce, by the end of 2029.