Today's News Update - 13th Aug 2024 Asia Asia-Pacific markets generally advanced on Monday following a volatile week marked by significant sell-offs and a subsequent sharp recovery, particularly in Japanese stocks. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 increased by 0.46%, closing at 7,813.7. JB Hi-Fi, an Australian consumer electronics retailer, saw its shares rise by 8.33% after reporting its full-year results. The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong gained 0.13% during its final trading hour, while Mainland China's CSI 300 declined by 0.17%, ending the day at 3,325.86. Japanese markets were closed for a holiday. US Stocks fluctuated on Monday but managed to retain the momentum from late last week as investors prepared for key inflation data. The S&P 500 ended virtually unchanged, rising just 0.23 points to 5,344.39, as it experienced small gains and losses throughout the day. The Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.21%, closing at 16,780.61, with Nvidia shares rising 4% and boosting the technology-heavy index. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 140 points, or 0.36%, ending at 39,357.01. Commodity U.S. crude oil prices surged on Monday, surpassing $80 per barrel, as the Pentagon increased its military presence in the Middle East in response to concerns about a potential Iranian attack on Israel. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a carrier strike group, including F-35 warplanes, to expedite its deployment to the region, and also directed a guided-missile submarine to the Middle East. Gold prices climbed more than 1% on Monday to reach their highest level since August 2, fueled by safe-haven buying as traders awaited U.S. inflation data this week, which could provide insights into the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts. Spot gold rose over 1% to $2,458.25 per ounce by 1529 GMT, while U.S. gold futures increased about 1% to $2,497.40. The above analysis is only for the views of market researchers and is for reference only and is not Regarded as a specific investment suggestion. #Forex #trading #tradingforex