AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights:
- Asian markets rally: Chinese manufacturing data sparks optimism across regional indices.
- Oil prices climb: Crude prices edge higher amid global market positivity.
- Tech and retail gain traction: Tesla and Apple see strong performance, buoying U.S. market confidence.
Asian markets opened the week on a strong note, driven by encouraging manufacturing data from China and growing optimism around global trade. Investors embraced the momentum, with key indices across the region posting notable gains.
China Leads Regional Gains
Monthly surveys revealed improving conditions for Chinese manufacturing, with strong growth in new and export orders. Analysts linked the uptick to U.S. importers accelerating purchases ahead of potential tariff increases under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The Shanghai Composite index rose 1% to 3,360.38, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.2% to 19,468.27.
Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management attributed the regional optimism to a combination of Wall Street’s recent record highs and emerging signs of economic recovery in China. Anticipation of further economic support measures from Chinese authorities added to the positive sentiment.
Regional Markets Ride the Wave
Other major indices in the region also benefited from the upbeat environment. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.7% to 38,482.47, supported by broader market strength despite a 1% dip in Nissan Motor Corp. shares. The automaker faces challenges from slowing sales in China and operational restructuring.
In South Korea, the Kospi rose 0.4% to 2,466.24, while Taiwan’s Taiex surged 2.4%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 inched up 0.1% to 8,440.00. Bangkok’s SET index remained flat, reflecting mixed performance across smaller regional markets.
U.S. Markets Boosted by Retail and Tech
Friday’s post-Thanksgiving session saw U.S. markets end on a high note. The S&P 500 gained 0.6% to 6,032.38, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.4% to 44,910.65, and the Nasdaq advanced 0.8% to 19,218.17. Retailers like Macy’s and Best Buy climbed 2% each as early Black Friday deals spurred buying.
Tesla recorded a 3.7% rise on Friday and a monthly gain of over 38%, reflecting optimism surrounding its alignment with Trump’s pro-business policies. Meanwhile, Apple rose 1.1%, riding expectations of strong holiday demand for its AI-enhanced iPhones.
Oil and Currency Markets
Crude oil prices also reflected the optimistic mood. U.S. benchmark crude increased by 37 cents to $68.37 per barrel, while Brent crude rose 40 cents to $72.24 per barrel. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen, rising to 150.75 yen, while the euro slipped slightly to $1.0519.
Outlook for Global Markets
With renewed optimism surrounding Chinese economic data and U.S. trade policy, global markets appear poised for further growth. However, risks from geopolitical uncertainty and potential shifts in trade dynamics remain on the horizon, keeping investors watchful as the year approaches its close.
