12-09-2025

Global Markets Rise Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Date: 12-09-2025
Sources: cnbc.com: 4 | scmp.com: 6
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Image Source:

Source: scmp.com

Image content: The image shows two airplanes on a runway, with a large building in the background. The main subject is the two airplanes, one white and blue with "C919" written on its tail, and the other white and blue with "C909" written on its side. The airplanes are parked on a runway, with other planes visible behind them, and a large building with billboards and advertisements is visible in the background.

Summary

The cluster of news articles highlights the current state of global markets, with a focus on Asia-Pacific and European markets, as well as significant geopolitical developments in China and the South China Sea. Markets are rising due to easing inflation pressures and expectations of US rate cuts. Meanwhile, China is making advancements in technology and expanding its military presence, leading to increased tensions with neighboring countries.

Key Points

  • Asia-Pacific markets rose due to easing inflation and expected US rate cuts
  • European stocks expected to open higher ahead of US Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting
  • UK economy stalled in July, putting pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves
  • China making advancements in technology, including HBM4 and C909 jets
  • Tensions rising in South China Sea between China and Philippines

Articles in this Cluster

Asia-Pacific markets: SK Hynix's HBM4, Nikkei 225, Kospi, Nifty 50

The article discusses the performance of Asia-Pacific markets, with SK Hynix's shares jumping after announcing the completion of HBM4 development. Other markets, including Japan's Nikkei 225, South Korea's Kospi, and India's Nifty 50, also rose. The gains were attributed to easing inflation pressures and expectations of US rate cuts. The article also mentions that Alibaba and Baidu listed in Hong Kong saw significant gains after reports of their in-house chip development for AI models. The overall sentiment is positive, with investors optimistic about the prospects of rate cuts and the performance of tech stocks.
Entities: SK Hynix, Nikkei 225, Kospi, Nifty 50, AlibabaTone: positiveSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

CNBC Daily Open: Hopes of lower rates overshadow U.S. inflation worries

The article discusses the US stock market's performance, with major indexes reaching record highs despite concerns over inflation. The consumer price index rose 0.4% in August, and weekly jobless claims jumped to their highest level in nearly four years. However, investors are optimistic about a potential rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week. Other news includes Japan receiving a share of profits from US investments and China warning Mexico to reconsider tariffs on Asian vehicles. JPMorgan identified four 'meme stocks' susceptible to sudden price swings.
Entities: US, Federal Reserve, Japan, China, MexicoTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Europe markets, Friday Sept. 12: Stoxx 600, FTSE 100, Sabadell, BBVA

European stocks are expected to open higher on Friday, with futures for major indices such as the Stoxx 50, FTSE 100, DAX, and CAC 40 rising by 0.3%. The UK economy stalled in July, recording zero growth, which may influence the Bank of England's monetary policy decision next week. The European Central Bank left its key interest rate unchanged on Thursday. In corporate news, Sabadell's board recommended rejecting BBVA's hostile takeover bid, while Ryanair's CEO warned of potential ticket cuts to Spain due to taxation disputes. Investors are awaiting the US Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting next week, with a 25-basis-point rate cut priced in.
Entities: Europe, Stoxx 50, FTSE 100, Sabadell, BBVATone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

UK economy stalls in July, as slowdown sets in

The UK economy stagnated in July, according to the Office for National Statistics, marking a slowdown in growth compared to June's 0.4% expansion. This will put pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the Autumn Budget on November 26, where she is expected to reveal her fiscal plans for 2026. Economists expect a slowdown in the UK economy in the latter half of 2025, with some attributing it to a course correction in trade and public sector spending. The Bank of England is also expected to hold interest rates steady on September 18, despite inflation concerns.
Entities: UK, Office for National Statistics, Rachel Reeves, Reuters, Deutsche BankTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

China’s C909 jet, Apple iPhone Air, Hong Kong’s global talent ranking: SCMP’s 7 highlights | South China Morning Post

The South China Morning Post highlights seven significant news stories from the past week, including China's Comac winning a large overseas order for C909 jets, a pioneering Chinese-American mathematician returning to China, and Hong Kong's rise in global talent ranking. The article provides a brief overview of each story, shedding light on topical issues in Hong Kong, mainland China, and the wider Asia region.
Entities: China, Comac, C909, Air Cambodia, Southeast AsiaTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Exclusive | Hong Kong aiming to become top art trading hub to rival New York: source | South China Morning Post

Hong Kong is planning to become a top art trading hub to rival New York. The city's leader will announce measures in his fourth policy address next Wednesday to boost the multibillion-dollar art trading industry. These measures include enhancing financing, insurance, and professional training services, as well as designating storage spaces near the airport. The move aligns with the central government's 14th five-year plan, which aims to make Hong Kong an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. With a total traded value of HK$105.5 billion in 2023, Hong Kong is already one of the world's top three art trading centres. The government believes that Hong Kong has the potential to become a world-class high-end art trading hub alongside New York by offering a comprehensive ecosystem.
Entities: Hong Kong, New York, central government, Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong's leaderTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Exclusive | Hong Kong to increase non-local student quota to a maximum of 50% | South China Morning Post

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, is set to announce in his upcoming policy address that the non-local student quota for universities will be increased to a maximum of 50%. The number of places available for local students will remain unchanged at 15,000. The move aims to boost Hong Kong's status as a global education hub and strengthen the 'Study in Hong Kong' brand. Non-local students are not limited to those from mainland China, but can also come from Belt and Road countries and the United States. The policy is part of Lee's vision to develop Hong Kong into a world-class tertiary education hub through various measures, including scholarships and incentives.
Entities: Hong Kong, John Lee Ka-chiu, Belt and Road, United States, South China Morning PostTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Hull numbers on Chinese military’s fleet of barges mean they are now in service: analyst | South China Morning Post

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has assigned hull numbers to a fleet of advanced island-landing vessels, indicating they have entered service. The vessels, part of the 'Dong Gong' fleet, are designed for amphibious force deployment and are seen as a deterrent to Taiwan. The hull numbers suggest they are part of the PLA's Eastern Theatre Command. The vessels are equipped with advanced features such as self-elevating legs and cable-stayed bridge towers, enabling them to facilitate military operations. Analysts believe this move is Beijing's latest effort to militarily deter Taiwan.
Entities: People's Liberation Army, Taiwan, China, Dong Gong, Eastern Theatre CommandTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

PLA aircraft carrier the Fujian heads to South China Sea. Is it about to enter service? | South China Morning Post

China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has set sail for the South China Sea to conduct scientific research tests and training exercises. The PLA Navy stated that the warship is on a 'routine mission' as speculation builds that it could soon be commissioned. The Fujian, China's most advanced aircraft carrier, was spotted sailing in the East China Sea accompanied by two destroyers. It is expected to be equipped with advanced aircraft, including J-35A stealth fighter jets and KJ-600 early warning aircraft.
Entities: China, Fujian, PLA Navy, Taiwan Strait, South China SeaTone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Why Beijing’s new plan to bolster its South China Sea claims has Manila worried | South China Morning Post

China's recent designation of a national nature reserve in the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea has sparked strong opposition from the Philippines. The Philippine government views this move as a pretext for eventual occupation, while China claims it is necessary to protect the environment. Analysts warn that this development could escalate tensions between the two countries and potentially draw in the US, a treaty ally of the Philippines. The move is part of China's efforts to consolidate its claims in the contested area, which has become a focal point of intense confrontations between China and the Philippines.
Entities: China, Philippines, Scarborough Shoal, South China Sea, Eduardo AnoTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform