[MARKET UPDATE] ASX 200 and KOSPI softer by 0.3%, Japan closed for Showa Day holiday; US equity futures continue to bid higher, NQ outperforming (+0.3%); Spot XAU regains USD 4600/oz handle

The ASX 200 and KOSPI showing a modest decline suggests a cautious sentiment in the Asian markets, potentially influenced by external factors or profit-taking after recent gains.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 29 Apr 2026, 00:22 UTCOn the live feed at 00:02 UTC — 1 more headline followed before this page went public

Newsquawk headlinesUTC

00:23

PRE-MARKET TAIWANESE AND SINGAPOREAN STOCK NEWS: Adata expects another record profit, Powertech raises FY Capex by 25%

00:20

PBoC is expected to set USD/CNY mid-point at 6.8347 (prev. 6.8589)

00:02

[MARKET UPDATE] ASX 200 and KOSPI softer by 0.3%, Japan closed for Showa Day holiday; US equity futures continue to bid higher, NQ outperforming (+0.3%); Spot XAU regains USD 4600/oz handle

23:58

New Zealand Treasury says the economy is in a fragile spot due to the rise in fuel prices

23:41

US President Trump is to nominate McMaster for the Treasury Financial Markets position

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Context

Meanwhile, US equity futures are experiencing strength, particularly in the Nasdaq, indicating continued investor confidence, while gold's recovery above $4600/oz may reflect safe-haven demand amidst market uncertainties.

All markets · last 90 days

Recent headlines that moved markets

EQUITIES/8 Sept · 05:24 UTC

Saudi Energy Minister says a number of energy facilities and utilities were hit; are temporarily halting some operations.

Equity indices, after we published−0.3%

Modest downside seen across equity futures as energy prices tick higher.

ENERGY/8 Sept · 05:23 UTC

Saudi Energy Minister says a number of energy facilities and utilities were hit; are temporarily halting some operations.

Brent Nov'26, after we published+1.0%

ENERGY/3 Sept · 08:03 UTC

Russian President Putin says that Russia and Ukraine should agree first; he notes that there is an opportunity to reach a peace agreement.

with Brent Nov, after we published−1.3%

EQUITIES/3 Sept · 04:54 UTC

North Korea stripped references to "peaceful unification" with South Korea from the charter of its ruling Workers' Party of Korea, according to Yonhap.

Equity indices, after we published−3.3%

EQUITIES/1 Sept · 16:17 UTC

Initial reports of an American attack on Iran, reports i24's Stein.

ES, after we published−0.2%

ENERGY/1 Sept · 16:17 UTC

Initial reports of an American attack on Iran, reports i24's Stein.

- Brent (V6), after we published+1.2%

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