Here are some key trade news updates:
*Global Market Trends*
- *US-China Trade Deal*: The US and China have agreed to temporarily lower tariffs, with the US reducing tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and China lowering tariffs on US imports from 125% to 10% for a 90-day period. This move has boosted investor confidence and led to a surge in global stocks.
- *Crude Oil Prices*: Brent crude oil futures have climbed to around $66 per barrel, a two-week high, following the US-China trade breakthrough.
- *Dollar Index*: The dollar index has surged over 1% above 101.5, hitting over four-week highs, after the US and China agreed to reduce tariffs.
*Market Performance*
- *Stock Markets*: Global stocks have rallied, with major bourses opening in the green, led by the Hang Seng index rising 3%. US futures have also risen sharply.
- *Gold Prices*: Gold prices have fallen nearly 3% to $3,230 an ounce, their lowest level in about a month, due to improved investor sentiment and reduced demand for safe-haven assets.
*Economic Indicators*
- *Japan's Current Account Surplus*: Japan's current account surplus rose to JPY 3,678.1 billion in March 2025, broadly in line with market expectations.
- *China's Consumer Prices*: China's consumer prices dropped 0.1% year-on-year in April 2025, maintaining the same pace for the second month and matching market expectations ¹.