Real-time News

The yield on Japan's 30-year government bonds rose 1.0 basis point to 3.560%.

On March 17th, Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama stated that recent exchange rate fluctuations are inconsistent with economic fundamentals and reiterated her warning that authorities may take action to address exchange rate movements. "The overall financial markets have experienced significant volatility," Katayama told reporters on Tuesday. She noted that the disconnect between exchange rate fluctuations and economic fundamentals has persisted for some time, and stated that this deviation appears particularly pronounced now. Referring to her remarks on Monday, Katayama said, "Considering the impact of exchange rates on people's daily lives, we are fully prepared to respond at any time." Akira Moroga, chief market strategist at Aozora Bank, stated that her mention of "decisive action" on Monday was almost the strongest possible wording. Concerns about intervention have limited the dollar's upside potential. Teppei Ino, head of global markets research at MUFG Bank in Tokyo, said that we need to remember the possibility that the yen could fall below 160 again. Government officials may continue to issue verbal warnings, but these statements are unlikely to substantially change market sentiment.

Saudi Defense Spokesperson: Six drones have been confirmed shot down in the eastern region.

Pakistan's Information Ministry has dismissed Afghan allegations that Pakistan bombed a hospital, calling them "false and misleading."

A deputy spokesman for the Afghan Taliban government said that Pakistani airstrikes on a Kabul hospital on Monday night killed 400 people and injured 250.

South Korean Foreign Minister: Will attend the G7 foreign ministers' meeting near Paris next week.

Hong Kong-listed Ant Financial concept stocks surged, with Bright Smart Securities (01428.HK) rising over 67%, Yunfeng Financial (00376.HK) rising over 3%, and Alibaba (09988.HK) rising over 2%.

The Hang Seng Tech Index rose more than 1%, with concepts such as OpenClaw, Ant Financial, and Chinese securities firms leading the gains.

On March 17th, WeRide showcased its flagship Robotaxi GXR at NVIDIA GTC 2026. According to the cooperation plan between Grab and WeRide in Southeast Asia, the two companies have launched Robotaxi GXR trial operations in Punggol, Singapore, becoming one of the first companies to offer autonomous driving mobility services in the area. It is expected to officially open to the public on April 1st.

Hong Kong-listed OpenClaw concept stocks rallied in early trading, with MINIMAX-W (00100.HK) rising over 3%, and NetEase-S (09999.HK), Alibaba (09988.HK), Zhipu (02513.HK), Xiaomi Group (01810.HK), JD.com (09618.HK) and other stocks following suit.

On Tuesday, March 17, the Hang Seng Index opened 104.41 points higher, or 0.4%, at 25,938.43; the Hang Seng Tech Index opened 25.55 points higher, or 0.5%, at 5,137.33; the H-share Index opened 23.49 points higher, or 0.27%, at 8,839.81; and the Red Chip Index opened 3.75 points higher, or 0.09%, at 4,319.15.

According to Nikkei, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will reduce production due to a decline in exports to the Middle East. Nissan will reduce monthly production at its Kyushu plant by 1,200 vehicles.

Hang Seng Index futures opened 0.57% higher at 25,899 points, a premium of 65 points.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda: If fiscal spending can enhance the economy's supply capacity, this in turn is expected to alleviate inflationary pressures.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda: Fiscal spending will boost demand, stimulate the economy, and could push up wages and inflation.

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama: Exchange rates are determined by a variety of factors.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda: Long-term interest rates should be determined by the market.