Asian markets fluctuate amid U.S. holiday

Global shares traded mixed on Monday as investors watched economic data and policy moves from U.S. President Donald Trump. These factors are likely to impact upcoming central bank decisions. In Europe, France’s CAC 40 dipped nearly 0.1% in early trading, while Germany’s DAX added 0.4%. Britain’s FTSE 100 edged up 0.1%. U.S. markets were closed on Monday for a holiday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose in early trading after reports showed economic growth driven by steady exports and moderate consumption. The benchmark quickly fell back but recovered to finish up less than 0.1%. On a quarter-to-quarter basis, Japan’s economy grew 0.7%, marking its third straight quarter of growth.

asian markets react during U.S. holiday

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.2%. South Korea’s Kospi surged 0.8%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng reversed course to slip less than 0.1%, while the Shanghai Composite added 0.3%. Market analysts are closely watching policy developments, especially in light of Trump’s recent tariff announcement. There are concerns that such moves could incite a global trade war. The Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan aim to keep inflation at 2%. In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude added 28 cents to $71.02 a barrel, while Brent crude rose 34 cents to $75.08 a barrel. The U.S. dollar declined to 151.90 Japanese yen from 152.25 yen. The euro cost $1.0472, down from $1.0495. Image Credits: Photo by Oren Elbaz on Unsplash