Market Update

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei index fell, while the Topix index reached its highest level in 30 years, as the Bank of Japan (BOJ) said it would only buy into index funds linked to Topix after a review of its policy framework. The Nikkei index closed down by 1.41% to 29,792.05 points, …

European stocks fell today, erasing a large part of its weekly gains, after France imposed new general isolation measures to curb the spread of the Corona virus, in light of indications of slowing vaccination in some countries. The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 0.6%, tracing a negative session on Wall …

Speaking at the post-monetary policy meeting press conference, BOJ’s governor Haruhiko Kuroda commented on the current policy framework. It is appropriate to continue with the current policy framework.It is inappropriate to debate exit when inflation remains far from 2%.It is desirable for currency rates to reflect fundamentals, in a stable …

Gold prices fell today as the dollar held on to the gains it achieved in the previous session on the back of a rise in US Treasury yields, while the safe-haven metal was under heavy pressure due to the Fed’s expectations of a strong economic recovery. In spot trading, gold …

Oil prices fell for the sixth consecutive day, declining by about 9% in the week, as a new bout of Covid-19 cases, especially in Europe, imposed new general restrictive measures and dampened hopes for an imminent oil’s demand recovery. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell four cents, or 0.07 percent, …

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) kept its key policy rate unadjusted at the conclusion of its two-day March monetary policy review meeting on Friday. The central bank left the key rate steady at -10bps while maintaining its pledge to buy J-REIT at an annual pace of up to JPY180 bln. …

The US government said Thursday that the US land borders with Canada and Mexico will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least April 21. The 30-day extension is the second announced under President Joe Biden and comes as US lawmakers in northern border states have urged to lift restrictions …

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) closed lower on Thursday, as Treasury bond yields maintained their upward trend as the Federal Reserve expected inflation to exceed 2% this year. Rising yields increased pressures on tech stocks, while the continuous decline in oil prices left its toll on energy companies. The …

Gold prices rose on Thursday, recovering from their losses earlier in the session due to the rise in Treasury bond yields, supported by the recent expectations of the Federal Reserve. The surge in Treasury yields, which were fueled by expectations of a rise in inflation above 2% this year and …

Morgan Stanley became the first major bank in the United States to offer Bitcoin funds among its wealth management services, CNBC first reported. The decision reportedly follows on clients’ demand to invest in the cryptocurrency, which recently surged to new record highs supported by increased institutional demand. The new option …