Asian stocks soar to record peak on trade deal optimism

Market Overview - Asian stocks surged as easing trade tensions between China and the US improved risk appetite, with significant gains in South Korea's KOSPI, Taiwan stocks, and Japan's Nikkei, each rising over 2% [1][2] - MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares increased by 1.3% to a record peak [2] Trade Deal Implications - A potential trade deal would pause American tariffs and Chinese rare earths export controls, alleviating investor concerns [2] - Investors are looking for confirmation that the trade truce holds and that China's stimulus measures lead to tangible growth [3] Currency and Commodity Movements - The Australian dollar rose by 0.42% to $0.6541, reflecting its status as a risk and China proxy [4] - Safe-haven gold prices fell by 1%, while US Treasuries declined, resulting in a 3.8 basis points increase in the benchmark 10-year bond yield [5] Central Bank Meetings - Central bank meetings in Japan, Canada, Europe, and the US are anticipated, with the Federal Reserve expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points [6] - The European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan are expected to maintain current rates, with the BOJ considering future rate hikes as tariff-induced recession fears ease [7] Earnings Season Focus - The US earnings season is highlighted by reports from major companies like Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta Platforms, which are expected to show stronger results despite narrowing profit margins compared to the broader index [8] - Enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, a key area for many megacap companies, is driving stock market performance [9]