Major Asian and Pacific stock markets posted gains Thursday, buoyed by optimism over a potential US Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September and surprisingly strong Chinese PMI data. Tokyo’s Nikkei closed 0.6% higher, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index advanced 0.5%. Mainland Chinese indices in Shenzhen and Shanghai also saw modest increases. Leading the region’s gains, Seoul surged 1.5% and Sydney climbed 1.2%. European stock futures pointed to a marginally positive opening later in the day.
European Markets Hold Steady at Midday as Focus Turns to US Data
August 5, 2025
European equity markets showed limited movement at the midday mark, with Frankfurt leading gains at