Category: Markets
Nikkei edges down in choppy trade; glass sector outperforms
TOKYO, Feb 8 (Reuters) – Japan’s Nikkei share average edged down in choppy trade on Wednesday morning as stocks tracked the volatile currency market, while the glass manufacturing sector outperformed on brisk earnings results. The Nikkei dropped 0.1 percent to 18,892.69, having dabbled in positive territory earlier in the trading session. The dollar fell 0.2 […]
Asian stocks shaky ahead of U.S. jobs data, China markets
HONG KONG, Feb 3 (Reuters) – Asian stocks got off to a tentative start on Friday, as investors await the outcome of a key U.S. monthly jobs report that will set the tone for the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook and as China’s markets reopen after a week-long break. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside […]
Dollar caught in crossfire as Trump talks currency wars
SYDNEY, Feb 1 (Reuters) – The dollar was put on the defensive in Asia on Wednesday after the Trump administration accused Germany and Japan of devaluing their currencies to gain a trade advantage, fuelling a risk-off mood that also kept stocks subdued. The U.S. currency suffered its worst January in three decades after President Donald […]
Sri Lankan rupee steady; under pressure to depreciate
Jan 31, 2017 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee was steady on Tuesday in dull trade but dealers said the currency was under depreciation pressure with foreign investors exiting government securities. Rupee forwards were active, with two-week forwards trading at 151. 00/10 per dollar at 0524 GMT, unchanged from Monday’s close. The spot rupee was […]
Asian shares rattled by Trump travel curb orders, dollar soft
TOKYO, Jan 31 (Reuters) – Asian shares were on the defensive on Tuesday as stringent curbs on travel to the U.S. ordered by President Donald Trump brought home to investors that he is serious about putting his radical campaign pledges into action. Global stocks posted their biggest loss in six weeks after Trump signed an […]
‘ dollar buying; stocks up
Jan 30, 2017 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee traded weaker on Monday as some foreign banks bought dollars amid demand for the U.S. currency from importers, dealers said. Rupee forwards were active, with two-week forwards trading at 150.90/151.00 per dollar at 0551 GMT, weaker from Friday’s close of 150.85/95. The spot rupee was quoted […]
Asia shares, S&P futures fall as Trump travel ban, weak GDP adds to U.S. worries
SINGAPORE, Jan 30 (Reuters) – Asian stock markets and U.S. stock futures retreated on Monday after President Donald Trump introduced immigration curbs that sparked criticism at home and abroad and added to global fears of increasingly unpredictable U.S. policies. Trump on Friday put a 120-day hold on allowing refugees into the country, an indefinite ban […]
Sri Lankan rupee steady in dull trade; stocks rise
Jan 26, 2017 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee was steady in thin trade on Thursday as dollar demand from importers was offset by selling of the U. S. currency by exporters, dealers said, a day after the central bank revised the spot reference rate by 10 cents to a record low. Rupee forwards were […]
Asia rises after Dow tops 20,000 for first time, dollar on defensive
TOKYO, Jan 26 (Reuters) – Asian stocks gained early on Thursday, cheered by the Dow Jones Industrial Average breaching past the 20,000-level threshold for the first time though concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist stance kept the dollar on the defensive. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan tacked on 0.3 percent. […]
Sri Lankan shares hit near 10-mth closing low
Jan 24, 2017 (Reuters) – Sri Lankan stocks closed at their lowest in nearly 10 months on Tuesday, dragged down by banking and telecom shares, as concerns over rising interest rates and ongoing political instability weighed on sentiment. The Colombo stock index ended 0.45 percent lower at 6,134.41, its lowest close since April 4. “Not […]
Sri Lankan rupee eases on importer dollar demand
Jan 24, 2017 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee eased on Tuesday as importer dollar demand outpaced mild greenback sales by exporters, while the market expects the downward pressure to continue until some steady foreign inflows come in, dealers said. Rupee forwards were active, with two-week forwards trading at 151.05/20 per dollar at 0615 GMT, […]
Dollar falls further in Asia amid trade jitters
SYDNEY, Jan 24 (Reuters) – The dollar hit the skids in Asia on Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump’s focus on trade protectionism fuelled suspicions his administration might seek a competitive advantage through a weaker currency. The talk of trade wars favoured safe-haven Treasuries and the Japanese yen while subduing stocks, particularly as Asian […]