Asian Market: China Retaliates, Stocks Move

Previously, China retaliated against the US after it let yuan drop past 7 and halted US farm purchases. As a result, the broader Asian market went south. European stocks, on the other hand, bounced back.

Wall Street also edged lower in the last session as investors became more anxious over trade worries. Investors see the tit-for-tat US-China trade war as damaging the global economy.

During the last session, major Asian indices retreated into the red. Hong Kong, Sydney, and Seoul lost ground, while Tokyo and China did the same.

US futures, on the other hand, gave traders something to look forward to after it indicated a recovery.

The news largely revolved around China’s yuan, which dropped to levels below seven. It was the first time it hit that mark since the 2008 financial crisis.

This People’s Bank of China cited issues of trade protectionism as reasons behind its decision to let the renminbi drop.

European Stock Exchanges Appeared Stronger

While the Asian market tumbled, general European stock report sounded a bit more sanguine. Stocks in this area fared better, with key indices bouncing up slightly.

Danish index OMX Copenhagen 20 gained 1.2%, outperforming most other indices. Germany’s DAX benefitted from better factory orders, gaining 0.7%. The pan-European STOXX 600 also crept up, adding 0.6%. UK’s FTSE gained only 0.1%.

The stronger European stocks pulled strength from news that French company Vivendi struck a deal with Chinese company Tencent.

Vivendi said it would sell a 10% stake in Universal Music Group to Tencent. Under the deal, Tencent would be able to buy another 10% at the same price, which sits at $33.6 billion.