📌 Asian Session Summary: June 18, 2025
Asia Markets Recap
Japan – Nikkei 225 ⬆ +0.75 %
Exports improved, trade deficit reduced to JPY 637 billion, despite a drop in factory orders (-9.1%).
Stocks on the move: yen steady around 145.2 ¥/$, Topix +0.2%.
China – Shanghai Composite ⬇ -0.11%
Focus on the Lujiazui Forum in Shanghai; possible announcements on financial and monetary policy.
Impacted sectors: tech & finance retreat, offshore yuan ~7.18 ¥/$.
Hong Kong – Hang Seng ⬇ -1.09%
Marked by a rise in unemployment to 3.5% over 3 months, market under pressure.
Key stocks: Alibaba, Tencent, Meituan declining.
India – Sensex ⬆ +0.05%
Slight recovery after a slow start; solid domestic support.
Stocks to watch: Tata Steel, HDFC Bank.
Australia – ASX 200 ⬇ -0.14%
Second day down; drop in leading index (-0.1%) weighs.
Focus: Thursday’s employment data, will influence the RBA.
Why does it matter?
A mixed picture: Japan in a firmer position, China waiting, Hong Kong weakened. Markets remain volatile, affected by the Middle East conflict, which can impact oil, currencies, and capital flows.
US After Market Update
Wall Street closed lower on Tuesday:
- Dow Jones: -0.7%
- S&P 500: -0.8%
- Nasdaq: -0.9%
Middle East tensions and speculation over a possible US military response weigh heavily. For individual stocks:
Cardiff Oncology (CRDF) -13.2% → New medical leadership before a key clinical trial phase.
Biomea Fusion (BMEA) -24.8% → Launch of combined stock + warrant offering.
Bitdeer (BTDR) -4.7% → Announcement of $300M convertible debt issue.
CVS Health (CVS) -0.36% → End to a 7-day winning streak.
SRM (Serum/Tron) -1.16% → High volatility around Justin Sun and blockchain projects.
US Futures in Pre-market
Dow futures: +0.03%
S&P 500 futures: +0.12%
Nasdaq 100 futures: +0.18%
Conclusion
Key day with the Fed expected tonight – immediate impact on US rates, the dollar, and indices. Rising Israel-Iran tensions remain a crucial external factor that could spur market moves.
Sectors at risk: energy (if oil surges), tech (rate-sensitive), Chinese equities (political uncertainty).
Expected volatility: high after the Fed, possible short-term technical pullback.
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Have a great session everyone
Sylvain Mouilhaud: Equity Coach