The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lowered their interest rates today, hoping to tame and counter the negative impact of the global trade war on their economies and job markets. The moves were expected and received mixed reactions across stock markets.

The CSI 300 index and the Hang Seng gained, the latter was boosted by CATL’s IPO, which went according to plan and led to a 14% surge in its Hong Kong debut. Meanwhile, the ASX gave back earlier gains as trade headlines are turning sour.

In Europe, the EU and the UK sealed their most comprehensive deal since Brexit and pledged ‘to discuss British access’ to Europe’s €150 billion defense fund. The Stoxx Europe Aerospace & Defence ETF soared 2% to a fresh high. In the US, investors shrugged off rating downgrade news, yields reversed advance, the S&P500 eked out small gain. Nvidia’s plans to open the door to third-party chips in its AI infrastructure was applauded. Home Depot and Lowe’s earnings are in focus as investors complete the US consumer picture in the midst of trade turmoil.

This report has been prepared by Swissquote Bank Ltd and is solely been published for informational purposes and is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any currency or any other financial instrument. Views expressed in this report may be subject to change without prior notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by Swissquote Bank Ltd personnel at any given time. Swissquote Bank Ltd is under no obligation to update or keep current the information herein, the report should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgment.

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