Asian stocks trade mixed ahead of US-Russia summit
Japanese growth
and weak Chinese data, while oil slipped back ahead of a
US-Russia summit
on Ukraine.
On Thursday Wall Street finished little changed as strong wholesale inflation data tempered optimism about the US Federal Reserve cutting interest rates.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World
Topgentlemen.com
Undo
A quarter-point cut is still expected but a larger half-point rate cut is likely "off the table", said Jack Ablin of Cresset Capital Management.
Intel surged 7.4 percent following a Bloomberg News report that US President Donald Trump is considering an investment in the beleaguered chip company in exchange for a government stake.
Japan's economy grew 0.3 percent in the three months to June, while output for the previous period was revised upwards, averting a possible technical recession for the world's number four economy.
Live Events
The expansion came despite tariffs imposed by Trump on Japanese imports, including on cars -- an industry
accounting
for eight percent of Japanese jobs.
In morning trade in Asia, the Nikkei was up almost one percent while Shanghai, Seoul and Sydney also moved higher.
But Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell for the second straight day after Chinese retail sales and industrial production grew at a slower rate than expected last month.
A long-term crisis in the real estate sector and high youth
unemployment
have been weighing on Chinese consumer sentiment for several years.
The situation has worsened with the heightened turmoil sparked by Trump's trade war.
Oil prices dipped, reversing gains on Thursday ahead of Trump's Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the Ukraine war.
Oil traders are worried "that if the meeting doesn't go well, we'll see stronger sanctions on Russian oil thereby depriving the world of or making it much difficult for this oil to get to the market", said Stephen Schork of the Schork Group.
- Key figures at around 0230 GMT -
Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.9 percent at 43,036.46
Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 1.1 percent at 25,236.62
Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.3 percent at 3,675.05
Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1658 from $1.1657 on Thursday
Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3543 from $1.3535
Dollar/yen: DOWN at 147.28 yen from 147.76
Euro/pound: UP at 86.06 pence from 86.05 pence
West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.2 percent at $63.84 per barrel
Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.1 percent at $66.76 per barrel
New York - Dow: DOWN less than 0.1 percent at 44,911.26 (close)
London - FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 9,177.24 (close)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
14 minutes ago
- Mint
Applied Materials Suffers Worst Rout Since 2020 on China Woes
Applied Materials Inc. suffered the worst single-day stock decline in five years after giving a disappointing sales and profit forecast, renewing concerns that the US trade dispute with China is weighing on demand. Revenue will be approximately $6.7 billion in the fiscal fourth quarter, the company said in a statement Thursday. Analysts had estimated $7.32 billion on average. Profit will be about $2.11 a share, excluding some items, compared with a projection of $2.38. Applied Materials, the largest American producer of chipmaking gear, is seeing less demand from customers in China, Chief Executive Officer Gary Dickerson said in an interview. It also faces delays in approval for exporting technology to that country, he said. Moreover, large customers are putting off some purchases in the face of prolonged negotiations around tariffs and other economic issues. 'It just creates a level of uncertainty,' Dickerson said. The outlook sent shares of Applied Materials down 14% on Friday, the most since the early days of the pandemic in March 2020. They had been up 16% this year heading into the report. In the third quarter, which ended July 27, revenue rose 7.7% to $7.3 billion. Analysts had anticipated $7.21 billion on average, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Profit was $2.48 a share, compared with an estimate of $2.36. Applied Materials' customer ranks include some of the biggest names in the chip industry, such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Samsung Electronics Co. and Intel Corp. Those manufacturers order gear well ahead of starting production, making Applied Materials' forecasts a barometer for future demand. The company said last week that it would participate in an Apple Inc. plan to boost manufacturing in the US by spending more than $200 million on a facility in Arizona. Applied Materials will also sell equipment to Texas Instruments Inc.'s US factories to support Apple products. 'Applied Materials' decision to be a core member of Apple's 'American Manufacturing Program,' a drive to increase factory production within the US, could strengthen its position as a key supplier of chipmaking tools for advanced semiconductors used in iPhones,' Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Masahiro Wakasugi said in a note. 'The new administration is very focused on increasing semiconductor supply in the United States,' Dickerson said on Thursday. 'We're very positive.' In July, rival Lam Research Corp. said revenue for the quarter ending in December would ease from the current-quarter levels, with Chinese customers potentially scaling back after a spending spree. In a further sign of US-China tensions, Applied Materials was recently sued by Beijing E-Town Semiconductor Technology Co. over what that company characterized as trade secret theft. Still, Dickerson said the long-term demand outlook for computing power remains strong. Customers in China had significantly ramped up buying in recent years, and are now just digesting those purchases, he said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Social Security August 20 retirees checks: Who qualifies, how much SSA will pay, complete details explained
SSA retirees benefits august 20: Retirees across the United States are waiting for their next Social Security payment, and for one group of beneficiaries, the money will arrive on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 . These monthly checks are the financial backbone for millions of households, covering rent, groceries, prescriptions, and rising utility costs. But how much can retirees really expect to receive this month? Who gets paid on August 20? The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes benefits on a staggered schedule each month. Payments go out in three rounds, based on the beneficiary's date of birth: Birthdays between the 1st–10th: paid on the second Wednesday Birthdays between the 11th–20th: paid on the third Wednesday Birthdays between the 21st–31st: paid on the fourth Wednesday Since August 20 is the third Wednesday of the month , this round will cover people born between the 11th and 20th of any month. That includes retirees, people receiving disability benefits (SSDI), and survivors who qualify through a late spouse or parent's work record. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo ALSO READ: IRS reportedly says $1,390 stimulus checks for eligible Americans are on the way: here are all the details In short: If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th , expect your Social Security check on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 . The average retiree will get around $1,907 , though your exact amount depends on your work history and claiming age. Live Events How much will retirees receive on average? Not everyone gets the same Social Security check. The amount depends on your lifetime earnings, retirement age, and work history. But here are the 2025 averages, confirmed by SSA data : Retired workers: $1,907 per month on average Maximum benefit for high earners retiring at full age: up to $4,873 Disabled workers (SSDI): about $1,537 Widows, widowers, and dependents: payments vary depending on family circumstances For perspective: while $1,907 is the national average, many retirees see slightly less because they claimed benefits early, while others who delayed retirement until age 70 may be collecting much larger checks. How do you know your exact payment? Every recipient's amount is unique. The most reliable way to confirm your August 20 deposit is by checking your 'my Social Security' account at The portal shows your monthly benefit, payment history, and upcoming deposit dates. If you're not tech-savvy, the SSA still mails statements, and you can also opt for text or email alerts once you're signed up for direct deposit. What if your Social Security payment doesn't arrive? Sometimes payments don't hit bank accounts on time. If you don't see your August 20 check immediately, experts recommend: Wait three business days before reporting a missing payment Call SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 Check your bank details and verify no changes to your direct deposit Update your personal information if you've recently moved or changed banks Late payments are rare but can happen due to system delays or incorrect account information. Can you change your Social Security payment date? No — the SSA's calendar is fixed and tied to birth dates. But you can change how you receive your benefits. Most retirees now use direct deposit or the Direct Express debit card , which is faster and more secure than waiting for a paper check. Why this August payment matters With inflation still stretching household budgets in 2025, Social Security payments are more than just routine deposits. They remain the primary source of income for about two-thirds of retirees , according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. For many, the August 20 check will decide whether bills get paid on time or whether groceries need to be stretched until the next deposit. FAQs: Who will get Social Security August 20 retirees checks? Retirees with birthdays between the 11th and 20th. How much money will retirees get on August 20? The average check is about $1,900, but it varies. When are Social Security August 20 checks sent? On Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Do all retirees receive the same Social Security payment? No, amounts depend on work history and age. How can retirees check their August 20 SSA payment? They can log into their SSA account online.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Punjab finance and taxation minister Harpal Singh Cheema leads I-Day celebration in Ropar
Ropar: Punjab finance and taxation minister Harpal Singh Cheema hoisted the national flag at the 79th Independence Day celebration held at Nehru Stadium, Ropar, on Friday. Following the flag hoisting, Cheema, escorted by deputy commissioner Varjeet Walia and senior superintendent of police Gulneet Singh Khurana, inspected the parade. Led by DSP Jashandeep Singh Maan, contingents from the Punjab police (male and female), Punjab home guards, various schools and a band participated in the march past. Cheema paid tribute to the freedom fighters, including Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Sardar Kartar Singh Sarabha, Shaheed Udham Singh, Madan Lal Dhingra, Lala Lajpat Rai and Diwan Singh Kalepani, whose struggles secured the country's freedom. He proudly stated that Punjabis have made the most sacrifices in the freedom struggle. While addressing the gathering, he highlighted the state govt's commitment to restore Punjab to its former glory. He noted that in honour of the freedom fighters, the Mohali International Airport was named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh , and his statue was installed there. Furthermore, portraits of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Dr B R Ambedkar had been placed in all govt offices, he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo He emphasised the govt's significant achievements in education, health and employment. He claimed the Punjab govt has provided more than 55,000 govt jobs. In the National Achievement Survey 2024, Punjab's education system ranked first, surpassing states like Kerala. This year, 848 govt school students qualified for NEET, 265 for JEE (Main) and 45 for JEE (Advanced). In the health sector, the finance minister announced revolutionary changes. Currently, 881 Aam Aadmi clinics are operational, offering 107 types of medicines and 47 lab tests free of cost. He also announced that a health insurance scheme of up to Rs 10 lakh for every family will be implemented from Oct 2. This scheme, which requires only an Aadhaar and voter card to avail, will cover medical expenses for all citizens of Punjab, regardless of income. Around 3 crore people are expected to benefit from this initiative, which includes impanelment of 552 private and all govt hospitals, with plans to add 500 more hospitals soon. Cheema honoured the district's freedom fighters and veterans with shawls, calling them the pride of the nation whose sacrifices allowed citizens to enjoy freedom today. The event featured a vibrant cultural programme with performances, including choreography, dances and gidda by students from various schools. The sports department of Rup Nagar presented a skit on 'Freedom from Drugs' prepared by Rup Nagar's sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Sanjeev Kumar. Impressed by the band performance of Shivalik Public School, Cheema announced a grant of Rs 15 lakh for the school. A play titled 'Yudh Nashian Virudh', written by SDM Dr Sanjeev Kumar and performed by students of Government Senior Secondary School, Phulpur Grewal, was also presented. Moved by the performance, Cheema led all attendees in an anti-drug pledge and personally contributed Rs 21,000 from his salary to the school. The programme concluded with the national anthem, performed by the students of Shivalik Public School. MSID:: 123333915 413 | Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
