Market Update
Europe Markets Lacked Direction Ahead of Rate Decisions
Bridgette Randall
17 Apr, 2025
London
European markets eased on the final trading day of the holiday-shortened week, and investors looked ahead to rate decisions from the European Central Bank.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and London lacked direction as investors anticipated the sixth consecutive rate cut by the ECB later today.
The ECB is expected to lower its deposit rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% amid subdued inflation and tariff-driven anxieties contributing to the weakness in economic growth.
Investors are also looking ahead to comments from ECB President Christine Lagarde and hope that policymakers will provide greater clarity about the possible impact of the U.S. tariffs on the region's economy.
On the economic front, Germany's producer prices declined in March after rising in the four previous months in a row, the Federal Statistical Office reported Thursday.
The Producer Price Index decreased 0.2%, reversing a 0.7% increase in the previous day, mainly because of the 3.6% increase in energy prices and 4.3% fall in electricity prices.
Investors also reacted to the latest earnings from Hermes, Siemens Energy, ABB, Brunello Cuccinelli, Wise, and Pluxee.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index decreased by 0.1% to 21,283.11, the CAC-40 index edged lower by 0.3% to 7,305.92, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.6% to 8,228.21.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.52%, French bonds increased to 3.29%, UK gilts moved up to 4.61%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.70%.
The euro decreased to $1.14; the British pound was lower at $1.32; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 81.81 Swiss cents.
Brent crude increased $0.40 to $66.25 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.29 to €35.68 per MWh.
Europe Movers
Siemens Energy increased 10.4% to €63.74, and the renewable and electric power company reported better-than-expected first-quarter results and raised its outlook for fiscal 2025.
Hermes International declined 1.2% to €2,331.0 after the luxury brand company reported a 7.1% increase in revenue in the first quarter.
Brunello Cuccinelli SpA edged up 0.6% to €97.92, and the Italian luxury products company reported steady growth in the first quarter and reiterated its 10% annual growth outlook.
Revenue surged 10.5% to €341.47 million from €309.09 million a year ago.
Moncler decreased 1.8% to €54.10 after the Italian fashion brand retailer reported first-quarter 2025 revenue results.
Sandvik gained 0.3% to 189.90 krona after the Swedish engineering company reported first quarter 2025 results.
Revenue increased to SEK 29.30 billion from SEK 29.0 billion, profit jumped to SEK 3.74 billion from SEK 1.25 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to SEK 2.97 from 99 cents a year ago.
Europe Movers: ABB, Brunello Cucinelli, Ipsos, Moncler, Pernod Ricard, Pluxee, Sandvik, Wise
Inga Muller
17 Apr, 2025
Frankfurt
ABB Ltd. slipped 1.2% to CHF 42.04 after the electrification and automation services provider reported first quarter 2025 results.
Revenue jumped 1% to $7.93 billion from $7.87 billion, net income edged up 22% to $1.10 billion from $950 million, and basic earnings per share rose to 60 cents from 49 cents a year ago.
Orders in the quarter edged up 3% to $9.21 billion from $8.97 billion in the prior year.
The company’s free cash flow increased 18% in the quarter to $652 million from $551 million a year earlier.
“We expect to create further value by actively managing our portfolio and spinning off our robotics business,” the company said in a release to investors.
The robotics division will start trading as a separately listed company during the second quarter of 2026.
The company guided second-quarter 2025 revenue growth in “the mid-single digit range” and the operational EBITA margin to remain broadly stable with last year’s 19%.
For the full year 2025, ABB estimated a positive book-to-bill, revenue growth in “the mid-single digit range,” and operational EBITA margin to improve from a year ago amid a difficult market environment.
ABB has approved a dividend of CHF 0.90 per share and a share repurchase program of up to $1.5 billion.
On March 3, the company completed the acquisition of Siemens’ Wiring Accessories business in China, which generated over $150 million in revenue in 2024.
Pernod Ricard gained 1.7% to €92.86 after the French alcoholic beverages distributor reported third-quarter 2025 sales results.
Net sales declined 3% to €2.28 billion from €2.35 billion a year ago.
Nine-month sales edged down 5% to €8.45 billion from €8.94 billion a year earlier.
The company proposed an interim dividend of €2.35 per share, payable on July 25 to shareholders on record as of July 23.
Ipsos dropped 3.4% to €40.82 after the French market research and polling company reported first-quarter 2025 revenue results.
Revenue increased to €568.5 million from €557.5 million a year ago.
“In the EMEA region, total growth stands at 6.1%, driven by the integration of Infas in Germany since January,” the company said in a release to investors.
Activity in the Americas declined 1.7% on an organic basis, largely because of the political uncertainty in the U.S.
Performance in the Asia-Pacific region continues to be weak, because of slow recovery in China.
Pluxee NV dropped 1.3% to €18.61 after the employment benefits and engagement company reported first-half 2025 results.
Revenue surged 7.2% to €635 million from €593 million, net profit jumped 55.5% to €106 million from €68 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to 66 cents from 44 cents a year ago.
Employee benefits BVI reached €9.6 billion in the first half, an 8.4% organic increase and a 10.1% increase excluding the impact of the one-time Purchasing Power Program in Belgium, which contributed approximately €160 million in the first half.
The company guided fiscal 2025 revenue to grow by “low double-digit,” keeping its financial objectives unchanged by fiscal 2026.
Wise Plc. dropped 1.4% to 956.50 pence after the UK-based money transfer company reported fourth quarter 2025 trading results.
Underlying income edged up 15% on a constant currency to £350.4 million compared to the same quarter a year ago.
Cross-border volumes grew 28% to £39.1 billion, and Wise customer holdings increased by 33% to £21.5 billion from a year ago.
A total of 9.3 million active customers used Wise in the fourth quarter, an increase of 17% from a year earlier.
Sandvik gained 0.3% to 189.90 krona after the Swedish engineering company reported first quarter 2025 results.
Revenue increased to SEK 29.30 billion from SEK 29.0 billion, profit jumped to SEK 3.74 billion from SEK 1.25 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to SEK 2.97 from 99 cents a year ago.
Total order intake climbed by 2% to SEK 32.76 billion from SEK 31.98 billion a year earlier.
Free operating cash flow amounted to SEK 3.81 billion compared to SEK 3.77 billion in the prior year.
The company has recently completed nine strategic acquisitions.
Brunello Cucinelli SpA traded flat at €97.36 after the Italian luxury apparel retailer reported first-quarter 2025 revenue results.
Revenue surged 10.5% to €341.47 million from €309.09 million a year ago.
Sales in the Americas jumped 10.3%, in Europe advanced 10.1%, and in Asia rose 11.3%.
Retail sales edged up 11.9%, while wholesale revenue increased by 8.2%.
“The fall-winter 2025 sales campaign ended with excellent order intake and flattering feedback on both men's and women's collections,” the company said in a release to investors.
The fashion goods retailer confirmed its 2025 guidance for a 10% growth in sales, as it will work on a new price list for U.S. customers to avoid tariff impact on the business.
Moncler decreased 1.8% to €54.10 after the Italian fashion brand retailer reported first-quarter 2025 revenue results.
Revenue inched up 1% to €829.0 million from €818.0 million a year ago.
The results include Moncler brand revenue of €721.8 million and Stone Island brand revenue of €107.3 million.
Sales in Asia were up 6% in the quarter, in EMEA down 1%, and in the Americas down 2% compared to the prior year.
The direct-to-consumer channel recorded revenues of €630.5 million, an increase of 4% from the same quarter a year ago.
The wholesale channel recorded revenue of €91.3 million, a decline of 5% from the previous year.
Europe Movers: ABB, Brunello Cucinelli, Ipsos, Moncler, Pernod Ricard, Pluxee, Sandvik, Wise
Inga Muller
17 Apr, 2025
Frankfurt
ABB Ltd. slipped 1.2% to CHF 42.04 after the electrification and automation services provider reported first quarter 2025 results.
Revenue jumped 1% to $7.93 billion from $7.87 billion, net income edged up 22% to $1.10 billion from $950 million, and basic earnings per share rose to 60 cents from 49 cents a year ago.
Orders in the quarter edged up 3% to $9.21 billion from $8.97 billion in the prior year.
The company’s free cash flow increased 18% in the quarter to $652 million from $551 million a year earlier.
“We expect to create further value by actively managing our portfolio and spinning off our robotics business,” the company said in a release to investors.
The robotics division will start trading as a separately listed company during the second quarter of 2026.
The company guided second-quarter 2025 revenue growth in “the mid-single digit range” and the operational EBITA margin to remain broadly stable with last year’s 19%.
For the full year 2025, ABB estimated a positive book-to-bill, revenue growth in “the mid-single digit range,” and operational EBITA margin to improve from a year ago amid a difficult market environment.
ABB has approved a dividend of CHF 0.90 per share and a share repurchase program of up to $1.5 billion.
On March 3, the company completed the acquisition of Siemens’ Wiring Accessories business in China, which generated over $150 million in revenue in 2024.
Pernod Ricard gained 1.7% to €92.86 after the French alcoholic beverages distributor reported third-quarter 2025 sales results.
Net sales declined 3% to €2.28 billion from €2.35 billion a year ago.
Nine-month sales edged down 5% to €8.45 billion from €8.94 billion a year earlier.
The company proposed an interim dividend of €2.35 per share, payable on July 25 to shareholders on record as of July 23.
Ipsos dropped 3.4% to €40.82 after the French market research and polling company reported first-quarter 2025 revenue results.
Revenue increased to €568.5 million from €557.5 million a year ago.
“In the EMEA region, total growth stands at 6.1%, driven by the integration of Infas in Germany since January,” the company said in a release to investors.
Activity in the Americas declined 1.7% on an organic basis, largely because of the political uncertainty in the U.S.
Performance in the Asia-Pacific region continues to be weak, because of slow recovery in China.
Pluxee NV dropped 1.3% to €18.61 after the employment benefits and engagement company reported first-half 2025 results.
Revenue surged 7.2% to €635 million from €593 million, net profit jumped 55.5% to €106 million from €68 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to 66 cents from 44 cents a year ago.
Employee benefits BVI reached €9.6 billion in the first half, an 8.4% organic increase and a 10.1% increase excluding the impact of the one-time Purchasing Power Program in Belgium, which contributed approximately €160 million in the first half.
The company guided fiscal 2025 revenue to grow by “low double-digit,” keeping its financial objectives unchanged by fiscal 2026.
Wise Plc. dropped 1.4% to 956.50 pence after the UK-based money transfer company reported fourth quarter 2025 trading results.
Underlying income edged up 15% on a constant currency to £350.4 million compared to the same quarter a year ago.
Cross-border volumes grew 28% to £39.1 billion, and Wise customer holdings increased by 33% to £21.5 billion from a year ago.
A total of 9.3 million active customers used Wise in the fourth quarter, an increase of 17% from a year earlier.
Sandvik gained 0.3% to 189.90 krona after the Swedish engineering company reported first quarter 2025 results.
Revenue increased to SEK 29.30 billion from SEK 29.0 billion, profit jumped to SEK 3.74 billion from SEK 1.25 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to SEK 2.97 from 99 cents a year ago.
Total order intake climbed by 2% to SEK 32.76 billion from SEK 31.98 billion a year earlier.
Free operating cash flow amounted to SEK 3.81 billion compared to SEK 3.77 billion in the prior year.
The company has recently completed nine strategic acquisitions.
Brunello Cucinelli SpA traded flat at €97.36 after the Italian luxury apparel retailer reported first-quarter 2025 revenue results.
Revenue surged 10.5% to €341.47 million from €309.09 million a year ago.
Sales in the Americas jumped 10.3%, in Europe advanced 10.1%, and in Asia rose 11.3%.
Retail sales edged up 11.9%, while wholesale revenue increased by 8.2%.
“The fall-winter 2025 sales campaign ended with excellent order intake and flattering feedback on both men's and women's collections,” the company said in a release to investors.
The fashion goods retailer confirmed its 2025 guidance for a 10% growth in sales, as it will work on a new price list for U.S. customers to avoid tariff impact on the business.
Moncler decreased 1.8% to €54.10 after the Italian fashion brand retailer reported first-quarter 2025 revenue results.
Revenue inched up 1% to €829.0 million from €818.0 million a year ago.
The results include Moncler brand revenue of €721.8 million and Stone Island brand revenue of €107.3 million.
Sales in Asia were up 6% in the quarter, in EMEA down 1%, and in the Americas down 2% compared to the prior year.
The direct-to-consumer channel recorded revenues of €630.5 million, an increase of 4% from the same quarter a year ago.
The wholesale channel recorded revenue of €91.3 million, a decline of 5% from the previous year.
U.S. Movers: CSX
Scott Peters
17 Apr, 2025
New York City
CSX Corp. eased 0.04% to $27.34 after the rail transportation services provider reported first quarter 2025 results.
Revenue declined 7% to $3.42 billion from $3.68 billion, net earnings edged down 27% to $646 million from $880 million, and diluted earnings per share dropped 24% to 34 cents from 45 cents a year ago.
Total cargo volume of 1.52 million units for the quarter was 1% lower compared to 1.53 million units in the prior year, while intermodal volume was 2% higher at 0.72 million from 0.70 million a year ago.
The rail services company said the constantly shifting tariff landscape is adding uncertainty to a soft automotive market.
U.S. Movers: CSX
Scott Peters
17 Apr, 2025
New York City
CSX Corp. eased 0.04% to $27.34 after the rail transportation services provider reported first quarter 2025 results.
Revenue declined 7% to $3.42 billion from $3.68 billion, net earnings edged down 27% to $646 million from $880 million, and diluted earnings per share dropped 24% to 34 cents from 45 cents a year ago.
Total cargo volume of 1.52 million units for the quarter was 1% lower compared to 1.53 million units in the prior year, while intermodal volume was 2% higher at 0.72 million from 0.70 million a year ago.
The rail services company said constantly shifting tariffs landscape is adding uncertainty to a soft automotive market.
India Movers: Swaraj Engines, Wipro, Waaree, GTPL Hathway, Jayaswal Neco, Rajratan Global, Tata Teleservices, Thyrocare
Arun Goswami
17 Apr, 2025
Mumbai
Swaraj Engines Ltd. increased 0.2% to ₹4200 despite the diesel engine maker reporting a 30% increase in net income in the March quarter.
Consolidated revenue in the March quarter increased to ₹458.8 crore from ₹354.1 crore, and profit after tax advanced to ₹45.4 crore from ₹35.1 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹37.38 from ₹28.96 a year ago.
For the fiscal year 2025, revenue advanced to ₹1,698.3 crore from ₹1,433.6 crore, profit after tax jumped to ₹166 crore from ₹137.9 crore, and diluted earnings per share soared to ₹136.61 from ₹113.48 a year ago.
The company's board recommended an equity dividend of ₹110 per share for the financial year 2025.
Wipro Ltd. dropped 5.5% to ₹234.15 despite the tech services company reporting an 18% rise in its earnings in the latest quarter.
Consolidated revenue in the March quarter increased to ₹1,849.1 crore from ₹1,762.6 crore, and profit after tax advanced to ₹289.2 crore from ₹244.7 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹2.75 from ₹2.33 a year ago.
For the fiscal year 2025, revenue advanced to ₹7,115.3 crore from ₹6,983.8 crore, profit after tax increased to ₹1,079.2 crore from ₹911.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share soared to ₹10.29 from ₹8.59 a year ago.
Waaree Renewable Technologies Ltd. jumped 11% to ₹1,136.70 after the solar panel manufacturer and EPC solutions provider reported an 83% jump in its earnings in the March quarter.
Consolidated revenue in the March quarter increased to ₹483.4 crore from ₹275.3 crore, and profit after tax advanced to ₹93.7 crore from ₹51.3 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹8.98 from ₹4.91 a year ago.
For the fiscal year 2025, revenue advanced to ₹1,612.6 crore from ₹880.6 crore, profit after tax jumped to ₹228.9 crore from ₹145.2 crore, and diluted earnings per share soared to ₹21.95 from ₹13.89 a year ago.
GTPL Hathway Ltd. fell 1.8% to ₹111.20 after the wireline broadband service provider reported a 33% plunge in quarterly profit from a year ago.
Consolidated revenue in the March quarter increased to ₹898.9 crore from ₹814.8 crore, and profit after tax declined to ₹10.8 crore from ₹16 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to 95 paise from ₹1.17 a year ago.
For the fiscal year 2025, revenue advanced to ₹3,507.2 crore from ₹3,246 crore, profit after tax decreased to ₹49.2 crore from ₹111.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share dropped to ₹4.26 from ₹9.51 a year ago.
Jayaswal Neco Industries Ltd. rose 0.4% to ₹33.33 after the iron and steel castings producer reported a slight increase in revenue and a 13% decline in profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹1,660.1 crore from ₹1,566 crore, net income declined to ₹76.9 crore from ₹88.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to 79 paise from 91 paise a year ago.
Rajratan Global Wire Ltd. gained 3.9% to ₹310.80 despite the bead wire maker reporting a 53% drop in profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹218.8 crore from ₹232.6 crore, after-tax profit decreased to ₹9.3 crore from ₹19.7 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to ₹1.83 from ₹3.88 a year ago.
Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd. edged higher 0.6% to ₹59.89 after the connectivity and communication solutions provider reported a marginal increase in revenue and a net loss expanded in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹333.7 crore from ₹298.8 crore, net loss expanded to ₹315.1 crore from ₹307.7 crore, and diluted losses per share advanced to ₹1.61 from 83 paise a year ago.
Thyrocare Technologies Ltd. inched higher 1.5% to ₹718.55 after the diagnostic and preventive care laboratories services provider reported a 29% increase in net income in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹169.9 crore from ₹137.5 crore, after-tax profit increased to ₹19 crore from ₹14.7 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹3.56 from ₹2.77 a year ago.
India Movers: Swaraj Engines, Wipro, Waaree, GTPL Hathway, Jayaswal Neco, Rajratan Global, Tata Teleservices, Thyrocare
Arun Goswami
17 Apr, 2025
Mumbai
Swaraj Engines Ltd. increased 0.2% to ₹4200 despite the diesel engine maker reporting a 30% increase in net income in the March quarter.
Consolidated revenue in the March quarter increased to ₹458.8 crore from ₹354.1 crore, and profit after tax advanced to ₹45.4 crore from ₹35.1 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹37.38 from ₹28.96 a year ago.
For the fiscal year 2025, revenue advanced to ₹1,698.3 crore from ₹1,433.6 crore, profit after tax jumped to ₹166 crore from ₹137.9 crore, and diluted earnings per share soared to ₹136.61 from ₹113.48 a year ago.
The company's board recommended an equity dividend of ₹110 per share for the financial year 2025.
Wipro Ltd. dropped 5.5% to ₹234.15 despite the tech services company reporting an 18% rise in its earnings in the latest quarter.
Consolidated revenue in the March quarter increased to ₹1,849.1 crore from ₹1,762.6 crore, and profit after tax advanced to ₹289.2 crore from ₹244.7 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹2.75 from ₹2.33 a year ago.
For the fiscal year 2025, revenue advanced to ₹7,115.3 crore from ₹6,983.8 crore, profit after tax increased to ₹1,079.2 crore from ₹911.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share soared to ₹10.29 from ₹8.59 a year ago.
Waaree Renewable Technologies Ltd. jumped 11% to ₹1,136.70 after the solar panel manufacturer and EPC solutions provider reported an 83% jump in its earnings in the March quarter.
Consolidated revenue in the March quarter increased to ₹483.4 crore from ₹275.3 crore, and profit after tax advanced to ₹93.7 crore from ₹51.3 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹8.98 from ₹4.91 a year ago.
For the fiscal year 2025, revenue advanced to ₹1,612.6 crore from ₹880.6 crore, profit after tax jumped to ₹228.9 crore from ₹145.2 crore, and diluted earnings per share soared to ₹21.95 from ₹13.89 a year ago.
GTPL Hathway Ltd. fell 1.8% to ₹111.20 after the wireline broadband service provider reported a 33% plunge in quarterly profit from a year ago.
Consolidated revenue in the March quarter increased to ₹898.9 crore from ₹814.8 crore, and profit after tax declined to ₹10.8 crore from ₹16 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to 95 paise from ₹1.17 a year ago.
For the fiscal year 2025, revenue advanced to ₹3,507.2 crore from ₹3,246 crore, profit after tax decreased to ₹49.2 crore from ₹111.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share dropped to ₹4.26 from ₹9.51 a year ago.
Jayaswal Neco Industries Ltd. rose 0.4% to ₹33.33 after the iron and steel castings producer reported a slight increase in revenue and a 13% decline in profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹1,660.1 crore from ₹1,566 crore, net income declined to ₹76.9 crore from ₹88.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to 79 paise from 91 paise a year ago.
Rajratan Global Wire Ltd. gained 3.9% to ₹310.80 despite the bead wire maker reporting a 53% drop in profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹218.8 crore from ₹232.6 crore, after-tax profit decreased to ₹9.3 crore from ₹19.7 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to ₹1.83 from ₹3.88 a year ago.
Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd. edged higher 0.6% to ₹59.89 after the connectivity and communication solutions provider reported a marginal increase in revenue and a net loss expanded in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹333.7 crore from ₹298.8 crore, net loss expanded to ₹315.1 crore from ₹307.7 crore, and diluted losses per share advanced to ₹1.61 from 83 paise a year ago.
Thyrocare Technologies Ltd. inched higher 1.5% to ₹718.55 after the diagnostic and preventive care laboratories services provider reported a 29% increase in net income in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹169.9 crore from ₹137.5 crore, after-tax profit increased to ₹19 crore from ₹14.7 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹3.56 from ₹2.77 a year ago.
Japan's Exports and Trade Balance Expanded In March, U.S. Trade Negotiations In Focus
Akira Ito
17 Apr, 2025
Tokyo
Stock market indexes in Tokyo advanced, erasing losses from the previous session as investors reacted to the latest international trade data and comments from the Fed Chair.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 1%, and the broader TOPIX edged up 1.1%.
Investors pinned their hopes on the positive outcome of trade negotiations with the Trump administration, and Japan's chief negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, is looking to lower tariffs.
The U.S. placed 10% minimum tariffs and halted additional 24% tariffs on all Japanese goods and 25% on Japanese vehicles for 90 days.
Akazawa is hoping to avert most of the tariffs and provide concessions for the U.S. imports in exchange, but few details have emerged so far.
On the economic front, Japan's exports rose less than expected, but imports rebounded in March, indicating sustained domestic demand.
Japan's exports rose 3.9% to 9.85 trillion yen, sharply lower than the 11.5% increase in the previous month, as importers front-loaded ahead of the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs.
Machinery exports increased 3.4%, transportation equipment advanced 3.8%, and chemical shipments gained 3.7%.
Exports to the U.S. increased 3.1%, to Hong Kong jumped 19.7%, Taiwan 19.5%, South Korea 11.5%, and India added 14.4%.
However, exports to China declined 4.8%, surged to Russia by 47%, but fell to the EU by 1.1%.
Imports edged up 2% to 9.3 trillion yen, recovering from the 0.7% decline in the previous month, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Imports rose from China by 15.9%, Taiwan by 3.0%, South Korea by 2.5%, India by 16.0%, and the EU countries by 1.1%.
Goods arriving from the ASEAN countries also advanced by 10.5%, notably from Thailand by 9.9% and Malaysia by 13.4%.
Japan's trade surplus expanded to 544.1 billion in March from 349.9 billion in the same month a year earlier.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 1% to 34,254.82, and the broader TOPIX index advanced 1.1% to 2,523.49.
Toyota Motor Corp. decreased 0.02% to ¥2,498.50, Honda Motor Corp. increased 2% to ¥1,385.50, and Nissan Motor edged up 0.2% to ¥316.70.
Semiconductor equipment makers were in focus after the U.S. placed additional restrictions on the sale of advanced chips to China.
Tokyo Electron declined 0.4% to ¥19,605.0, Advantest Corp. rose 3.4% to ¥5,597.0, Disco Corp. rose 1.8% to ¥26,465.0, and Lasertec Corp. jumped 3.9% to ¥12,365.0.
Japan's Exports and Trade Balance Expanded In March, U.S. Trade Negotiations In Focus
Akira Ito
17 Apr, 2025
Tokyo
Japan's Exports and Trade Balance Expanded In March, U.S. Trade Negotiations
Akira Ito
17 Apr, 2025
Tokyo
Stock market indexes in Tokyo advanced, erasing losses from the previous session as investors reacted to the latest international trade data and comments from the Fed Chair.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 1%, and the broader TOPIX edged up 1.1%.
Investors pinned their hopes on the positive outcome of trade negotiations with the Trump administration, and Japan's chief negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, is looking to lower tariffs.
The U.S. placed 10% minimum tariffs and halted additional 24% tariffs on all Japanese goods and 25% on Japanese vehicles for 90 days.
Akazawa is hoping to avert most of the tariffs and provide concessions for the U.S. imports in exchange, but few details have emerged so far.
On the economic front, Japan's exports rose less than expected, but imports rebounded in March, indicating sustained domestic demand.
Japan's exports rose 3.9% to 9.85 trillion yen, sharply lower than the 11.5% increase in the previous month, as importers front-loaded ahead of the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs.
Machinery exports increased 3.4%, transportation equipment advanced 3.8%, and chemical shipments gained 3.7%.
Exports to the U.S. increased 3.1%, to Hong Kong jumped 19.7%, Taiwan 19.5%, South Korea 11.5%, and India added 14.4%.
However, exports to China declined 4.8%, surged to Russia by 47%, but fell to the EU by 1.1%.
Imports edged up 2% to 9.3 trillion yen, recovering from the 0.7% decline in the previous month, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Imports rose from China by 15.9%, Taiwan by 3.0%, South Korea by 2.5%, India by 16.0%, and the EU countries by 1.1%.
Goods arriving from the ASEAN countries also advanced by 10.5%, notably from Thailand by 9.9% and Malaysia by 13.4%.
Japan's trade surplus expanded to 544.1 billion in March from 349.9 billion in the same month a year earlier.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 1% to 34,254.82, and the broader TOPIX index advanced 1.1% to 2,523.49.
Toyota Motor Corp. decreased 0.02% to ¥2,498.50, Honda Motor Corp. increased 2% to ¥1,385.50, and Nissan Motor edged up 0.2% to ¥316.70.
Semiconductor equipment makers were in focus after the U.S. placed additional restrictions on the sale of advanced chips to China.
Tokyo Electron declined 0.4% to ¥19,605.0, Advantest Corp. rose 3.4% to ¥5,597.0, Disco Corp. rose 1.8% to ¥26,465.0, and Lasertec Corp. jumped 3.9% to ¥12,365.0.
China Indexes Diverge as Businesses Explore Markets Beyond U.S.
Li Chen
17 Apr, 2025
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced in the hopes of progress in trade negotiations between China and the U.S.
The Hang Seng index increased 1.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index eased 0.3% as investors speculated that the U.S. may pause tariffs on China's exports.
Despite the positive sentiment in trading in Hong Kong, trade tensions between the U.S. and China showed no signs of easing.
China has halted shipments of key rare earth minerals to the U.S. and asked domestic airlines to cancel orders for Boeing aircraft and parts.
China's move comes after the Trump administration slapped additional tariffs on China's exports that could increase to as high as 245%.
Market sentiment was on the rise after China's first-quarter GDP growth at an annual pace of 5.4%, ahead of market expectations, and investors speculated that buyers will return to the property market amid stimulus measures.
The Hang Seng index rebounded from the 2% decline in yesterday's trading, as China's small manufacturing companies investigate how to reorient supply chains amid constantly changing U.S. trade policy.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index advanced 1.6% to 21,400.58, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index eased 0.0.3%.
Alibaba Group Holding jumped 3% to HK $108.60, Tencent Holdings gained 2.6% to HK $459.60, and Meituan edged up 0.2% to HK $135.10.
HSBC Holdings plc advanced 1.1% to HK $80.40, Bank of China edged up 0.7% to HK $4.43, and China Construction Bank gained 1.3% to HK $6.63.
BYD jumped 0.8% to HK $366.60, Li Auto Inc. advanced 3.4% to HK $89.80, and Xpeng Inc. jumped 2.3% to HK $75.05.
China Markets THURS
Li Chen
17 Apr, 2025
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced in the hopes of a progress in trade negotiations between China and the U.S.
The Hang Seng index increased 1.6% and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index eased 0.3% as investors speculated that the U.S. may pause tariffs on China's exports.
Despite the positive sentiment in trading in Hong Kong, trade tensions between the U.S. and China showed no signs of easing.
China has haled shipments of key rare earth minerals to the U.S. and asked domestic airlines to cancel orders for Boeing aircrafts and parts.
The China's move comes after the Trump administration slapped additional tariffs on China's exports that could increase to as high as 245%.
Market sentiment was on the rise after China's first quarter GDP growth at an annual pace of 5.4%, ahead of market expectations, and investors speculated that buyers will return to the property market amid stimulus measures.
The Hang Seng index rebounded from the 2% decline in yesterday's trading, as China's small manufacturing companies look for ways to reorient supply chains amid constantly changing U.S. trade policy.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index advanced 1.6% to 21,400.58 and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index eased 0.0.3%.
Alibaba Group Holding jumped 3% to HK $108.60, Tencent Holdings gained 2.6% to HK $459.60, and Meituan edged up 0.2% to HK $135.10.
HSBC Holdings plc advanced 1.1% to HK $80.40, Bank of China edged up 0.7% to HK $4.43, and China Construction Bank gained 1.3% to HK $6.63.
BYD jumped 0.8% to HK $366.60, Li Auto Inc advanced 3.4% to HK $89.80, and Xpeng Inc jumped 2.3% to HK $$75.05.