Today's News Update - 2nd May 2025 Asia Japanese and Australian markets rose Thursday after U.S. data showed a first-quarter contraction, heightening recession fears. Japan’s Nikkei gained 1.13% and the Topix 0.46% as the Bank of Japan held rates steady. Bond yields dropped, and the yen weakened to 144.58 per dollar. Australia’s ASX 200 edged up 0.24%, its fifth straight gain ahead of Saturday’s election. Markets in South Korea, Hong Kong, China, and India were closed for Labor Day. US Stocks climbed Thursday as strong earnings from two major tech companies alleviated concerns about AI growth slowing amid economic challenges. The Dow added 83.60 points (0.21%) to 40,752.96, the S&P 500 rose 0.63% to 5,604.14, and the Nasdaq gained 1.52% to 17,710.74, recovering losses since April 2. Commodity Gold fell to a two-week low on Thursday, pressured by easing trade tensions and a holiday in China, with attention on Friday's U.S. payrolls report. Spot gold dropped 2.3% to $3,211.53, and U.S. gold futures fell 2.9% to $3,222.20. Oil rebounded after Trump imposed new sanctions on Iran, with U.S. crude rising $1.03 to $59.24 per barrel and Brent gaining $1.07 to $62.13. Trump also warned that any entity buying Iranian oil would be banned from U.S. business. The above analysis is only for the views of market researchers and is for reference only and is not Regarded as a specific investment suggestion. #Forex #trading #tradingforex