Market Information Tuesday 18 March 2025

Asia-Pacific stock markets rose on Tuesday morning, following Wall Street’s rally after U.S. retail sales data eased recession fears. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index led the surge, rising 2.07%, driven by a strong performance from tech giant Baidu. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 1.3% ahead of the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting, no changes are expected. Meanwhile, India’s Nifty 50 and Sensex saw over 1% gains, while Australia’s ASX 200 and South Korea’s Kospi remained flat. In the U.S., major indices rebounded, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones posting solid gains.

Oil prices climbed on Monday after U.S. President Trump warned Iran it would be held responsible for future Houthi attacks. U.S. crude rose 0.6% to $67.58 per barrel, while Brent gained 0.69% to $71.07. The warning followed U.S. airstrikes targeting the Houthis, who have disrupted Red Sea shipping in support of Hamas. The U.S. vows to continue its strikes until the attacks stop. Meanwhile, Trump has reimposed pressure on Iran, aiming to weaken its economy and prevent nuclear development, while also expressing interest in renegotiating a nuclear deal.

European stocks started the week on a positive note, with the Stoxx 600 closing 0.79% higher, though chemicals lagged. British defense firm QinetiQ plunged nearly 21% after cutting its revenue outlook. Meanwhile, German lawmakers moved closer to reforming the country’s debt brake rule, with likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz securing support for increased public borrowing to boost defense spending. A Bundestag vote on the reform is set for today. Investors remain cautious amid ongoing global market volatility and trade uncertainty.

The 6M Euribor increased with 3 basis points to 2.42% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap decreased with 4 basis points to 2.71% compared to previous business day.

In the attachment, today’s market data on money and capital market rates as well as other rates are presented.