Global Market Overview
Global financial markets exhibited mixed performance on Friday, November 19, 2025. Asian markets reacted to new economic data from China, while U.S. equity futures remained largely stable in early Asian trading ahead of key economic reports. Corporate developments and geopolitical events also influenced investor sentiment across different regions.
Asian Market Performance
- China: The CSI 300 index declined by 0.25%. China's December consumer prices increased by 0.8% year-over-year, aligning with economist expectations and following a 0.7% rise in November. Factory-gate prices saw a 1.9% year-over-year decrease in December, which was a better outcome than the forecasted 2% decline.
- Japan: Fast Retailing, the operator of Uniqlo, reported an approximate one-third jump in quarterly operating profit and raised its full-year forecast. The company attributed this performance to strong global sales, particularly in China, and rapid expansion in North America and Europe, which helped mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs. Consequently, Fast Retailing shares rose over 7%.
- Australia: The S&P/ASX 200 index experienced a minor dip. Shares of Rio Tinto fell over 5% following an announcement that the mining company had engaged in early-stage buyout discussions with Glencore. A potential merger between the two entities could result in a mining conglomerate valued at nearly $207 billion.
- Hong Kong: The Hang Seng Index futures traded higher at 26,312, compared to its previous close of 26,149.31. Shareholders of Hang Seng Bank approved a plan by its majority owner, HSBC, to take the lender private.
Defense Sector Gains
Defense stocks across Asia saw an increase amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. This followed a U.S. operation to apprehend Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and President Donald Trump's renewed efforts regarding Greenland.
- Japan: Kawasaki Heavy Industries shares increased by 1.46%, and IHI shares rose by 1.98%.
- South Korea: Poongsan shares climbed over 4%, Korea Aerospace advanced by 1.33%, and Hanwha Aerospace gained 5.87%.
U.S. Market Activity
U.S. equity futures showed little change during early Asian hours. Investors awaited a crucial December jobs report and a potential U.S. Supreme Court decision concerning the legality of President Donald Trump's tariffs, which could affect trade policy and national fiscal stability.
Overnight trading in the U.S. saw varied results:
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 270.03 points (0.55%), closing at 49,266.11.
- The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased by 0.44%, settling at 23,480.02, as investors shifted away from technology stocks.
- The S&P 500 advanced by 0.01%, closing at 6,921.46.
- Among the 11 S&P 500 sectors, information technology was the primary laggard, declining by over 1%.