Asian Session Summary: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Asian Session Summary: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Japan – Nikkei 225 -1.52%
Japanese markets continue their decline from record highs, hit by disappointing trade data. Exports fell by 2.6% in July, affected by new American tariff barriers. Despite a rebound in machinery orders, the yen keeps strengthening, adding pressure on exporters.
China – Shanghai Composite +0.07%
Markets are hesitant after the PBoC held rates steady and the yuan remains under pressure. Trade talks with Washington support some optimism, as does the rebound in rare earth exports, which have returned to pre-restriction levels.
Hong Kong – Hang Seng -0.59%
Fifth consecutive losing session amid cautious sentiment ahead of the Fed minutes. The tech sector remains fragile, and underlying trade tensions continue to weigh on the index.
India – Sensex +0.09%
Gains are modest, driven by tech and real estate stocks. The rupee’s strengthening, supported by tariff calm with the US and ongoing tax reforms in New Delhi, provides some stability despite profit-taking in healthcare and banking.
Session Wrap-Up
Volatility has returned to Asian markets, fueled by Wall Street’s pullback and a wait-and-see approach ahead of Fed announcements and the Jackson Hole symposium. Trade tensions remain in the background, even as some easing signs emerge from China. This caution may continue to weigh on European market openings.
US After-Market Highlights
NovaBay ($NBY) +61.65% → $6 million financing deal with investor David Lazar, boosting confidence in the group’s cash position.
enCore Energy ($EU) -12.79% → Announced a $75 million convertible bond issuance, triggering poorly received dilution.
Palantir ($PLTR) -2.69% → Correction after post-earnings euphoria; the stock logs its steepest drop since May.
Prairie Operating ($PROP) -1.39% → Cut by Piper Sandler on concerns about potential dilution from future fundraising.
US Futures Pre-Market
Dow Futures: -0.25%
S&P 500 Futures: -0.31%
Nasdaq 100 Futures: -0.51%
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Have a great session everyone
Sylvain Mouilhaud: Equity Coach