ASIA STOCKS: Asian Equities Edge Higher As Commodities Find Support
Asian equities are broadly higher today, buoyed by optimism in U.S. equities and easing yields. South Korean stocks rose modestly, led by Samsung following a share buyback plan and strong gains in oil refiners and gaming stocks. Japanese equities gained as a weaker yen boosted exporters like Toyota. Gold miners rallied across Asia, tracking bullion’s rise after Goldman Sachs reaffirmed its $3,000 price target by 2025. In Australia, the ASX neared record highs on bullish mining sector forecasts from Morgan Stanley. Meanwhile, Hong Kong investors focused on a key financial summit amid concerns over China’s economic challenges and property sector woes. Oil prices stabilized after Monday's geopolitical-driven surge, while Bitcoin traded near all-time highs.
- Investors are eagerly await Nvidia's earnings which will be reported on Nov 21. Semiconductor stocks have struggled the past week, the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index did gain 1.13% on Monday, although still trades 5.19% lower for the past week.
- Foreign investors continue to sell South Korean equities, although momentum is slowing with just -$67m of outflows so far today.
- US equity futures are slightly higher today, with Nasdaq 100 futures continuing to outperform both S&P 500 and Dow futures. However ranges are tight.
- Looking at S&P 500 Eminis technicals, the move lower last week appears corrective. Medium-trend signals such as moving average studies, continue to highlight a dominant uptrend. The contract tested the 20-day EMA on Friday, however trades back above it at the moment. The next key support to monitor is 5833.83, the 50-day EMA. A clear break of this level would signal scope for a deeper retracement. A resumption of gains would refocus attention on the bull trigger at 6053.25, the Nov 11 high.