Asia Morning Pulse | Stocks Drift Higher, Yen Strength Weighs on Japan as Earnings Take Centre Stage
Asian equities are set for a modest grind higher following Wall Street gains, with US earnings momentum and a softer dollar supporting sentiment. Japan is the regional laggard as a stronger yen tightens financial conditions, while trade risks resurface for parts of North Asia.
What’s Driving Markets
Equities: Gentle Risk-On, but Uneven
Futures point to gains in Australia and Hong Kong, tracking Wall Street’s advance.
Japan underperforms as the yen strengthens, pressuring exporters and earnings translation.
In the US, the S&P 500 rose 0.5% and the Nasdaq 100 added 0.4%, setting a constructive tone for Asia.
FX: Yen in Focus, Dollar Slides
The yen strengthened to ~154/USD, up ~1%, on speculation of possible US–Japan coordination to support the currency.
The dollar index fell to its weakest since 2022, reinforcing flows into risk assets and precious metals.
Watch KRW after tariff threats toward South Korea raised policy and trade uncertainty.
Commodities: Safe Havens Shine
Gold broke above US$5,000, silver posted its biggest jump since 2008.
Treasuries stayed range-bound as markets expect the Federal Reserve to pause after late-2025 cuts.
Earnings: “Show-Me” Season for Big Tech
Companies representing ~⅓ of S&P 500 market cap report this week.
About half of firms giving 2026 guidance have beaten expectations (per JPMorgan).
Focus: whether AI capex is translating into earnings leverage, a key determinant for renewed tech inflows.
Geopolitics & Energy
Trade rhetoric intensifies: tariff threats toward South Korea, and renewed pressure on allies.
US winter storms knocked ~12% of natural gas output offline, sending gas prices up ~30%; oil remains steadier.
Asia Trading Takeaways
Japan: Yen strength = near-term headwind for equities; exporter sensitivity rises.
China/HK: Benefit from softer USD and risk appetite; watch tech earnings spillover.
Korea: Trade headlines add volatility; FX-sensitive sectors in focus.
Macro: Dollar weakness + earnings > Fed policy for now.
Bottom line: Markets are cautiously constructive, but FX moves and earnings delivery will decide leadership this week.

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