Tokyo and Asia-Pacific Close Sharply Lower as Yields, FX and Commodity Moves Hit Risk Appetite
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific markets ended the session under heavy pressure, with Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong leading declines as higher yields, a firmer dollar and softer commodities weighed on sentiment. The Nikkei 225 fell -4.5%, the Kospi slumped -8.0%, and the Hang Seng lost -2.9%. The move came alongside a stronger USD/JPY, weaker gold and oil, and broad selling across metals, autos and crypto-linked assets. [Continue Reading]
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Asian governments expand Ebola screening at ports of entry after WHO alert
Several Asian governments have expanded Ebola screening and reporting requirements for arriving travellers after a World Health Organization alert, with measures now in place or being tightened in Singapore, Japan and South Korea. Vietnam and Indonesia have also announced increased monitoring or other public health steps at ports of entry. Officials say no cases have been publicly confirmed in Asia and that the likelihood of local transmission remains low.The confirmed measures focus on border controls and traveller declarations rather than domestic restrictions. As of 18 May, people arriving in mainland China from affected regions who have been in contact with... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 06:00 LONDON
Japan and South Korea launch new energy cooperation framework
Japan and South Korea agreed Tuesday to launch a new energy cooperation framework and establish a policy dialogue on supply security, according to Kyodo News. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said they will deepen cooperation on crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas. The meeting took place in Andong in southeastern South Korea, Lee's hometown. Takaichi said the two countries will jointly work to secure robust supply chains for critical minerals. Lee told a joint event that the possibilities for bilateral cooperation are "limitless." Under the envisaged Japan-South Korea policy dialogue scheme,... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 01:30 LONDON
Tokyo Opens Lower as Asia-Pacific Risk Appetite Fades on Stronger Dollar, Higher Oil and Broad Commodity Pressure
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific markets opened under pressure in Tokyo trade, with the Nikkei 225 down -3.4%, the Hang Seng off -2.1% and the Kospi sliding -7.3%. The move came alongside a firmer USD/JPY, higher WTI crude and sharp declines in gold, silver and platinum, a mix that points to a risk-off tone and renewed inflation sensitivity across the region. [Continue Reading]
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U.S. 30-year Treasury yield rises to highest level since 2007 as war fears unsettle bond markets
Bond investors pushed the 30-year U.S. Treasury yield to its highest level since 2007 on 19 May, according to the supplied report. The move came as yields also rose across Europe and Asia, indicating that the pressure was not confined to one market.The article links the shift to concern that war could add to inflation and keep borrowing costs elevated. The confirmed detail in the report is limited but clear: the long-dated U.S. yield reached a level not seen since the period before the global financial crisis. The same report says yields were elevated in Europe and Asia at the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 20:00 LONDON
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific Close Sharply Lower as Nikkei Slides, Gold Softens and Oil Extends Gains
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific equities ended broadly lower in Tokyo trade, led by a sharp drop in Japan and South Korea, while crude oil firmed and the yen weakened against the dollar. The Nikkei 225 fell -4.3%, the Kospi lost -4.7%, and the Hang Seng slipped -2.1%. In commodities, WTI crude rose +2.4% even as gold, silver and platinum all fell, a mix that points to a risk-off tone with inflation and geopolitics still in focus. [Continue Reading]
Amnesty says global executions hit 40-year high, driven by Iran
Amnesty International says the number of executions carried out worldwide rose sharply last year to its highest level in more than four decades, with Iran accounting for the bulk of the increase. The rights group said more than 2,700 people were executed globally in the period covered by its new report, and about 2,100 of those executions took place in Iran. It said the figures marked the highest annual total since 1981.The report, released on Monday, said the global total represented a 78% increase compared with 2024. Amnesty said its figures were based on reports and work carried out with... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 06:29 LONDON
Tokyo Opens Lower as Nikkei Slides Nearly 4%, Metals Rout Deepens Risk-Off Tone Across Asia-Pacific
Executive summary: Tokyo and broader Asia-Pacific markets opened under pressure, with the Nikkei 225 down 3.9% and losses spreading across Hong Kong, Australia and South Korea. The session is being shaped by a sharp selloff in precious metals, weaker crypto and auto-linked assets, while crude oil and the dollar are firmer. The move points to a market that is repricing inflation, rates and geopolitical risk at the same time. [Continue Reading]
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US crude futures fall more than 2% after Trump pauses planned Iran attack
US crude futures fell more than 2% in early Asian trade on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump said he had paused a planned attack on Iran to allow negotiations to end the war in the Middle East. At 2212 GMT, the most active July West Texas Intermediate contract was down $2.08, or 2.02%, at $102.34 per barrel. The front-month contract was down $1.54, or 1.42%, at $107.12. The report said the July contract had risen more than 3.1% in the previous session before the reversal. It also noted that the June contract is set to expire on Tuesday. The... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 01:00 LONDON
Anglo American sells central Queensland coal mines to Dhilmar in deal worth up to $5.43bn
Anglo American says it has sold its five steelmaking coal mines in central Queensland to UK miner Dhilmar Ltd for up to $5.43bn. The transaction covers interests in Moranbah North and Grosvenor mines, as well as Capcoal, Roper Creek, Dawson South and Theodore South joint ventures. It also includes the town of Middlemount, where the company provides housing and community facilities.The company said the sale is subject to conditions including competition and regulatory approvals. Anglo American chief executive Duncan Wanblad said Dhilmar had experience operating major mining assets, including steelmaking coal operations in South East Asia and Canada. He said... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 May 2026 08:30 LONDON
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific Close Lower as Yields, Oil and FX Pressure Risk Assets
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific equities finished broadly lower in Tokyo trade, with the Nikkei 225, Hang Seng, Kospi and ASX 200 all under pressure as higher oil, a firmer dollar and rising bond-yield concerns weighed on sentiment. Gold, silver and platinum also fell sharply, while natural gas and WTI crude moved higher. The move points to a market still sensitive to inflation, rates and currency swings, with Japan’s weaker yen adding another layer of complexity. [Continue Reading]
Taiwan president says island will not give up sovereignty after Trump-Xi summit
Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te has said the island will not provoke conflict and will not give up its sovereignty after a high-stakes summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in which Taiwan was discussed. Lai made the remarks in a Facebook post, his first direct response to the meeting, after Chinese state media said Xi had told Trump that Taiwan was the most important issue in bilateral ties. The comments add a fresh layer of tension to an already sensitive issue in US-China relations.According to the reporting, Xi warned that mishandling the Taiwan question could lead to conflict. Trump later... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 May 2026 04:59 LONDON
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