Asian Session Summary: August 19, 2025
Asian Session Summary: August 19, 2025
Japan – Nikkei 225 -0.10%
Technical pullback after recent historic highs. Investors are taking profits, while the yen remains stable at 148/USD. SoftBank (-2%) fell despite announcing a $2 billion investment in Intel.
China – Shanghai Composite +0.28%
Moderate rebound amid post-rally consolidation. Markets are digesting trade tensions with the EU, while focus shifts to the imminent LPR rate decision.
Hong Kong – Hang Seng +0.25%
Fourth consecutive session of declines halted by some tech stock buying, despite a lack of catalysts. The index remains under pressure.
India – Sensex +0.21%
Slight rise driven by expectations of a positive impact from newly announced GST tax cuts by Modi. Markets closely watch the RBI bond auction and Chinese steel tensions.
Session Overview
Caution dominates Asian markets, with profit-taking after recent records and heightened focus on geopolitical tensions (Ukraine), monetary policies, and trade relations. The tone remains cautious ahead of key speeches in the US this week.
US After-Market Update
Intel ($INTC) +5.41% → Shares surged after SoftBank announced a $2 billion investment in the group, signaling confidence in Intel’s strategic rebound.
Iovance ($IOVA) +13.60% → Conditional approval of Amtagvi by Health Canada, strengthening regulatory credibility.
AEye ($LIDR) +19.23% → Strategic agreement with Black Sesame Technologies in China for autonomous safety.
Palo Alto Networks ($PANW) +4.89% → Results exceeded expectations and outlooks are strong. The founder stepped down, with no impact on the stock.
Flexsteel ($FLXS) +22.27% → Results far above consensus, with a strong positive margin surprise.
Fabrinet ($FN) -10.02% → Results above expectations but the market likely punished its cautious outlook.
Evolent Health ($EVH) -4.66% → Announced a $140M convertible debt issuance for 2025, considered dilutive.
iBio ($IBIO) -13.83% → Dropped after announcing a capital increase via public offering.
GrafTech ($EAF) 0.00% → Announced a 1-for-10 reverse stock split, with no market reaction.
US Pre-Market Futures
Dow Futures: -0.15%
S&P 500 Futures: -0.21%
Nasdaq 100 Futures: -0.27%
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Have a good session everyone
Sylvain Mouilhaud: Stocks Coach