· Markets stateside were closed on Thursday for a holiday.
· European shares retreated from a four-year peak on Thursday as concerns about a U.S.-China trade truce resurfaced after U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law a bill supporting protesters in Hong Kong, drawing a sharp rebuke from Beijing.
The law warns of sanctions against human rights violations in Hong Kong amid pro-democracy protests. In response, Beijing said it would take “firm counter measures” in what it views as interference in an internal matter.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 0.1% after gaining for four straight sessions, as the diplomatic standoff threatened to derail trade negotiations between the world’s top two economies.
· Stocks in Asia were mixed in Friday morning trade as investors continue to watch for developments on U.S.-China trade following a recent escalation in tensions over Hong Kong.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.24% in early trade, with shares of index heavyweight and robot maker Fanuc gaining 1.1%. The Topix also advanced 0.11%.
South Korea’s Kospi, on the other hand, slipped 0.1%. The Bank of Korea set to make its interest rate decision on Friday.
Meanwhile, shares in Australia edged higher in morning trade, with the S&P/ASX 200 up around 0.3%.
Overall, the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index traded 0.07% higher.
Reference: Reuters, CNBC
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