U.S. Movers: DocuSign, Dollar General, Lululemon Athletica

DocuSign advanced 1.3% to $48.40 after the software company reported higher-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results. 

Total revenue in the quarter increased 8% to $836.8 million from $776.5 million, net income advanced to $90.3 million from $83.5 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to 44 cents from 39 cents a year ago.

The company repurchased $269.1 million of its stock in the quarter compared to $161.7 million in the same period last year.

The company's Board of Directors approved the expansion of its stock repurchase plan by as much as $2 billion; the current remaining stock repurchase program is worth $2.6 billion. 

The company's outlook for the current quarter and fiscal year also surpassed market expectations. 

The software company guided fiscal first-quarter revenue to range between $822 million and $826 million, an increase of 8% from a year ago. 

Dollar General Corp. gained 2.3% to $134.85 after the deep discount retailer reported better-than-expected results in the fiscal fourth quarter ending on January 31.

Net sales increased to $10.9 billion from $10.3 billion, net income soared to $426.3 million from $191.2 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.93 from 87 cents a year ago. 

In the quarter a year ago, the earnings per share included a negative impact of approximately $0.81 per share related to the "store portfolio optimization review."

Same-store sales in the fiscal year rose 3.0%, driven by a 4.3% increase in sales in the fourth quarter. 

The fiscal year same-store sales rise reflected increases of 1.6% in customer traffic and 1.4% in average transaction amount and was driven by a growth in each of the consumables, seasonal, home products, and apparel categories.

The company's Board of Directors announced a 59-cent per share dividend payable on April 21 to shareholders on record on April 7. 

For the fiscal year 2026, the company estimated net sales to rise between 3.7% and 4.2%, diluted earnings per share between $7.10 and $7.35, and same-store sales growth in the range between 2.2% and 2.7%. 

Lululemon Athletica decreased 0.8% to $157.78 after the athletic apparel retailer reported its results for the fiscal fourth quarter ending on February 1 and issued an outlook for the current fiscal year. 

Net revenue in the quarter increased 1% to $3.64 billion from $3.61 billion, net income decreased to $586.8 million from $784.8 million, and diluted earnings per share declined to $5.01 from $6.14 a year ago. 

Comparable store sales increased 3%, driven by a 1% decrease in the Americas and a 16% jump in international locations. 

In the quarter, the company repurchased 1.4 million of its shares for a cost of $269.1 million and opened 15 net new stores, ending with 811 stores. 

The specialty apparel retailer reported better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results, but the company's fiscal 2006 sales outlook between $11.35 billion and $11.50 billion fell short of market expectations. 

U.S. Movers: DocuSign, Dollar General, Lululemon Athletica

DocuSign advanced 1.3% to $48.40 after the software company reported higher-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results. 

Total revenue in the quarter increased 8% to $836.8 million from $776.5 million, net income advanced to $90.3 million from $83.5 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to 44 cents from 39 cents a year ago.

The company repurchased $269.1 million of its stock in the quarter compared to $161.7 million in the same period last year.

The company's Board of Directors approved the expansion of its stock repurchase plan by as much as $2 billion; the current remaining stock repurchase program is worth $2.6 billion. 

The company's outlook for the current quarter and fiscal year also surpassed market expectations. 

The software company guided fiscal first-quarter revenue to range between $822 million and $826 million, an increase of 8% from a year ago. 

Dollar General Corp. gained 2.3% to $134.85 after the deep discount retailer reported better-than-expected results in the fiscal fourth quarter ending on January 31.

Net sales increased to $10.9 billion from $10.3 billion, net income soared to $426.3 million from $191.2 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.93 from 87 cents a year ago. 

In the quarter a year ago, the earnings per share included a negative impact of approximately $0.81 per share related to the "store portfolio optimization review."

Same-store sales in the fiscal year rose 3.0%, driven by a 4.3% increase in sales in the fourth quarter. 

The fiscal year same-store sales rise reflected increases of 1.6% in customer traffic and 1.4% in average transaction amount and was driven by a growth in each of the consumables, seasonal, home products, and apparel categories.

The company's Board of Directors announced a 59-cent per share dividend payable on April 21 to shareholders on record on April 7. 

For the fiscal year 2026, the company estimated net sales to rise between 3.7% and 4.2%, diluted earnings per share between $7.10 and $7.35, and same-store sales growth in the range between 2.2% and 2.7%. 

Lululemon Athletica decreased 0.8% to $157.78 after the athletic apparel retailer reported its results for the fiscal fourth quarter ending on February 1 and issued an outlook for the current fiscal year. 

Net revenue in the quarter increased 1% to $3.64 billion from $3.61 billion, net income decreased to $586.8 million from $784.8 million, and diluted earnings per share declined to $5.01 from $6.14 a year ago. 

Comparable store sales increased 3%, driven by a 1% decrease in the Americas and a 16% jump in international locations. 

In the quarter, the company repurchased 1.4 million of its shares for a cost of $269.1 million and opened 15 net new stores, ending with 811 stores. 

The specialty apparel retailer reported better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results, but the company's fiscal 2006 sales outlook between $11.35 billion and $11.50 billion fell short of market expectations. 

Investors Await Fed's Views On Inflation and Future Rate Path Amid Higher Oil Prices

Stocks extended this week's advance ahead of the Fed's rate decisions as investors reviewed the fast-changing situation in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index gained 0.5%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.6% as tech stocks led gainers for the third consecutive day in a row.

Crude oil prices bounced around their recent highs amid uncertainty about the resumption of energy product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

Texas crude oil prices decreased by 1.1% to $95.16 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the Trump administration's claims of success in its military attacks on Iran, NATO allies pushed back on forming a coalition to provide a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to hold the Fed Funds rate range between 3.5% and 3.75%, despite rising inflationary pressures. 

Investors are awaiting Federal Reserve Chair Powell's comments on the impact of higher energy prices on the monetary policy outlook. 

U.S. Movers 

Lululemon Athletica decreased 0.8% to $157.78 after the athletic apparel retailer reported its quarterly results and issued an outlook for the current fiscal year. 

The specialty apparel retailer reported better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results, but the company's fiscal 2006 sales outlook between $11.35 billion and $11.50 billion fell short of market expectations. 

DocuSign advanced 1.3% to $48.40 after the software company reported higher-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results. 

The company's outlook for the current quarter and fiscal year also surpassed market expectations. 

Investors Await Fed's Views On Inflation and Future Rate Path Amid High Oil Prices

Stocks extended this week's advance ahead of the Fed's rate decisions as investors reviewed the fast-changing situation in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index gained 0.5%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.6% as tech stocks led gainers for the third consecutive day in a row.

Crude oil prices bounced around their recent highs amid uncertainty about the resumption of energy product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

Texas crude oil prices decreased by 1.1% to $95.16 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the Trump administration's claims of success in its military attacks on Iran, NATO allies pushed back on forming a coalition to provide a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to hold the Fed Funds rate range between 3.5% and 3.75%, despite rising inflationary pressures. 

Investors are awaiting Federal Reserve Chair Powell's comments on the impact of higher energy prices on the monetary policy outlook. 

U.S. Movers 

Lululemon Athletica decreased 0.8% to $157.78 after the athletic apparel retailer reported its quarterly results and issued an outlook for the current fiscal year. 

The specialty apparel retailer reported better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results, but the company's fiscal 2006 sales outlook between $11.35 billion and $11.50 billion fell short of market expectations. 

DocuSign advanced 1.3% to $48.40 after the software company reported higher-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results. 

The company's outlook for the current quarter and fiscal year also surpassed market expectations. 

Tokyo Stocks Advanced as Middle East Worries Eased, Japan's Trade Surplus Shrank In February

Stocks in Tokyo rebounded, and benchmark indexes reversed previous session's losses. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average jumped nearly 3%, and the broader Topix index gained more than 2% as investors held out for stability in crude oil prices.

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

Brent crude oil prices decreased by 2.3% to $101.17 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the Trump administration's claims of success in its military attacks in Iran, NATO allies pushed back on forming a coalition to provide a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Market sentiment was further boosted after Japan's exports in February rose by 4.2% from a year ago, surpassing expectations. 

Japan's Trade Surplus Shrank Amid Softer Demand from China and U.S.

Exports rose to 9.7 trillion yen, a slower than a 16.8% rise in the previous month amid softer demand from China. 

Shipments to India advanced 22.4% and to the European Union rose 14%, but fell to China by 10.9% and to the U.S. by 8% due to weakness in automobiles, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals. 

Japan's shipments to the U.S. declined to 1.75 trillion yen and declined for the third consecutive month as shipments of automobiles plunged 16.6% from a year ago, pushed down by aggressive tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Imports advanced 10.2% to 9.5 trillion yen, the Finance Ministry said in a preliminary report.

February's international trade balance dropped to 57.3 billion yen, or $361 million, and the increase in advanced chip exports to other Asian countries was overwhelmed by the weakness in shipments to the U.S. and China.  

The trade surplus fell sharply from 559.2 billion yen in the month a year ago as growth in imports rose faster than exports. 

The Middle East conflict this month has driven oil prices higher by 50%, which is likely to turn the international trade balance to a deficit in March and April. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 2.9% to 55,239.40, and the broader TOPIX Index advanced 2.5% to 3,717.41. 

Semiconductor equipment makers led gainers in Tokyo on Thursday's trading. 

SoftBank Group, Advantest Corp., Tokyo Electron, and Disco Corp. jumped between 2% and 5%. 

Nippon Yusen, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha rose between 2% and 5%.

Tokyo Stocks Advanced as Middle East Worries Eased, Japan's Trade Surplus Shrank In F

Stocks in Tokyo rebounded, and benchmark indexes reversed previous session's losses. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average jumped nearly 3%, and the broader Topix index gained more than 2% as investors held out for stability in crude oil prices.

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

Brent crude oil prices decreased by 2.3% to $101.17 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the Trump administration's claims of success in its military attacks in Iran, NATO allies pushed back on forming a coalition to provide a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Market sentiment was further boosted after Japan's exports in February rose by 4.2% from a year ago, surpassing expectations. 

Japan's Trade Surplus Shrank Amid Softer Demand from China and U.S.

Exports rose to 9.7 trillion yen, a slower than a 16.8% rise in the previous month amid softer demand from China. 

Shipments to India advanced 22.4% and to the European Union rose 14%, but fell to China by 10.9% and to the U.S. by 8% due to weakness in automobiles, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals. 

Japan's shipments to the U.S. declined to 1.75 trillion yen and declined for the third consecutive month as shipments of automobiles plunged 16.6% from a year ago, pushed down by aggressive tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Imports advanced 10.2% to 9.5 trillion yen, the Finance Ministry said in a preliminary report.

February's international trade balance dropped to 57.3 billion yen, or $361 million, and the increase in advanced chip exports to other Asian countries was overwhelmed by the weakness in shipments to the U.S. and China.  

The trade surplus fell sharply from 559.2 billion yen in the month a year ago as growth in imports rose faster than exports. 

The Middle East conflict this month has driven oil prices higher by 50%, which is likely to turn the international trade balance to a deficit in March and April. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 2.9% to 55,239.40, and the broader TOPIX Index advanced 2.5% to 3,717.41. 

Semiconductor equipment makers led gainers in Tokyo on Thursday's trading. 

SoftBank Group, Advantest Corp., Tokyo Electron, and Disco Corp. jumped between 2% and 5%. 

Nippon Yusen, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha rose between 2% and 5%.

China Markets Inched Higher and Crude Oil Prices Stabilized at 4-Year Highs

Stocks in China attempted to rebound, and crude oil prices steadied as geopolitical tensions remained elevated. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index eased 0.3% as investors held out for the resumption of energy products shipments through the critical waterway in the Middle East.

Brent crude oil prices decreased by 2.3% to $101.17 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 25,825.08, and the CSI 300 Index fell 0.3% to 4,621.95. 

Tech stocks eased following a two-day rebound, as investors shifted their attention to financial and resource stocks. 

BYD, Nongfu Spring, Haidilao, SMIC, and Xiaomi closed mixed amid volatile trading.

Tencent Holdings, Alibaba Group, and Baidu decreased between 0.3% and 0.8%. 

China Markets Inched Higher and Crude Oil Prices Stabilized at 4-Yea

Stocks in China attempted to rebound, and crude oil prices steadied as geopolitical tensions remained elevated. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index eased 0.3% as investors held out for the resumption of energy products shipments through the critical waterway in the Middle East.

Brent crude oil prices decreased by 2.3% to $101.17 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 25,825.08, and the CSI 300 Index fell 0.3% to 4,621.95. 

Tech stocks eased following a two-day rebound, as investors shifted their attention to financial and resource stocks. 

BYD, Nongfu Spring, Haidilao, SMIC, and Xiaomi closed mixed amid volatile trading.

Tencent Holdings, Alibaba Group, and Baidu decreased between 0.3% and 0.8%. 

Volatile Crude Oil Prices Rebound Amid Uncertainty Over Hormuz Shipping Resumption

U.S. stocks lost ground after the volatile crude oil prices reversed the previous session's decline amid the uncertainty over the formation of a U.S.-led international coalition to escort oil tankers in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.4%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite eased 0.6%, and crude oil prices rose as much as 4%. 

Crude oil prices in New York advanced 2.8% to $96.15 a barrel, and the Brent crude oil prices in London rose 2.9% to $102.25 a barrel as tensions remained high in the Strait of Hormuz. 

European nations and NATO members showed little urgency in participating in the U.S.-led coalition to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Israel's unprovoked war on Iran, supported by the U.S., is approaching the end of its third week and has engulfed at least fifteen neighboring nations. 

Moreover, Trump's false promises of ending the war and "achieving military objectives" in less than a week are wreaking havoc on passenger and cargo travel through the regions, roiling the global economy, and stoking worldwide inflation.

With the 60% jump in oil prices, the U.S.-Israel war is now stoking food inflation over 10% and adding 65 cents a gallon to retail prices of gasoline at U.S. gas stations. 

Moreover, retail petrol prices in Japan, South Korea, India, and Europe have jumped between 8% and 25%.

U.S. Movers 

Dollar General Corp. gained 2.3% to $134.85 after the deep discount retailer reported better-than-expected results in the fiscal fourth quarter ending on January 31.

Net sales increased to $10.9 billion from $10.3 billion, net income soared to $426.3 million from $191.2 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.93 from 87 cents a year ago. 

In the quarter a year ago, the earnings per share included a negative impact of approximately $0.81 per share related to the "store portfolio optimization review."

Same store sales in the fiscal year rose 3.0%, driven by a 4.3% increase in sales in the fourth quarter. 

The fiscal year same-store sales rise reflected increases of 1.6% in customer traffic and 1.4% in average transaction amount and was driven by a growth in each of the consumables, seasonal, home products, and apparel categories.

The company's Board of Directors announced a 59-cent per share dividend payable on April 21 to shareholders on record on April 7. 

For the fiscal year 2026, the company estimated net sales to rise between 3.7% and 4.2%, diluted earnings per share between $7.10 and $7.35, and same-store sales growth in the range between 2.2% and 2.7%. 

Volatile Crude Oil Prices Rebound Amid Uncertainty Over Hormuz Shipping Resumption

U.S. stocks lost ground after the volatile crude oil prices reversed the previous session's decline amid the uncertainty over the formation of a U.S.-led international coalition to escort oil tankers in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.4%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite eased 0.6%, and crude oil prices rose as much as 4%. 

Crude oil prices in New York advanced 2.8% to $96.15 a barrel, and the Brent crude oil prices in London rose 2.9% to $102.25 a barrel as tensions remained high in the Strait of Hormuz. 

European nations and NATO members showed little urgency in participating in the U.S.-led coalition to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Israel's unprovoked war on Iran, supported by the U.S., is approaching the end of its third week and has engulfed at least fifteen neighboring nations. 

Moreover, Trump's false promises of ending the war and "achieving military objectives" in less than a week are wreaking havoc on passenger and cargo travel through the regions, roiling the global economy, and stoking worldwide inflation.

With the 60% jump in oil prices, the U.S.-Israel war is now stoking food inflation over 10% and adding 65 cents a gallon to retail prices of gasoline at U.S. gas stations. 

Moreover, retail petrol prices in Japan, South Korea, India, and Europe have jumped between 8% and 25%.

U.S. Movers 

Dollar General Corp. gained 2.3% to $134.85 after the deep discount retailer reported better-than-expected results in the fiscal fourth quarter ending on January 31.

Net sales increased to $10.9 billion from $10.3 billion, net income soared to $426.3 million from $191.2 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.93 from 87 cents a year ago. 

In the quarter a year ago, the earnings per share included a negative impact of approximately $0.81 per share related to the "store portfolio optimization review."

Same store sales in the fiscal year rose 3.0%, driven by a 4.3% increase in sales in the fourth quarter. 

The fiscal year same-store sales rise reflected increases of 1.6% in customer traffic and 1.4% in average transaction amount and was driven by a growth in each of the consumables, seasonal, home products, and apparel categories.

The company's Board of Directors announced a 59-cent per share dividend payable on April 21 to shareholders on record on April 7. 

For the fiscal year 2026, the company estimated net sales to rise between 3.7% and 4.2%, diluted earnings per share between $7.10 and $7.35, and same-store sales growth in the range between 2.2% and 2.7%. 

Japan Investors Reacted to Strait of Hormuz Developments Ahead of BoJ Rate Decisions

Stocks in Tokyo edged higher for the second successive session amid easing worries over the passage of energy products through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average inched higher 0.3%, and the broader Topix Index advanced 0.8% as easing oil prices lifted investor sentiment. 

Crude oil prices eased in early trading as several tankers safely navigated critical thoroughfares, supporting the expectations that energy product exports may return to normal levels sooner than expected.

Last week, the International Energy Agency, a group of 32 wealthy nations, announced its plan to release historic quantities of crude oil from its reserves, arresting the sharp escalation in oil prices.

Over the last two weeks, oil shock has gripped financial markets, and Asian markets have led the decline in global markets. Since the start of Israel's war on Iran, benchmark indexes in Japan have plunged 9%, in South Korea dropped 12%, and in India decreased 7%.

Markets in Europe have eased around 4%, and the U.S. lost about 3.6% as the U.S.-Iran war approached the end of the third week.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is anticipated to hold its benchmark rates at the end of its 2-day meeting ending on March 19, amid heightened uncertainty over the Iran war's impact on the domestic economy and inflation.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average added 0.3% to 53,902.67, and the broader Topix Index increased 0.8% to 3,637.21. 

Defense and financial stocks led gainers in Tokyo for the second consecutive session. 

Mitsubishi UFJ, Mizuho Financial, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial gained around 2% ahead of the central bank's rate decisions. 

Mitsubishi Heavy gained 2.2%, Kawasaki Heavy advanced 0.4%, and IHI Corp. increased 1.8%. 

Nippon Yusen Corp. advanced 6.2% to ¥5,972.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines added 4.2% to ¥6,291.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha jumped 6.9% to ¥2,827.50.

Japan Investors Reacted to Strait of Hormuz Developments

Stocks in Tokyo edged higher for the second successive session amid easing worries over the passage of energy products through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average inched higher 0.3%, and the broader Topix Index advanced 0.8% as easing oil prices lifted investor sentiment. 

Crude oil prices eased in early trading as several tankers safely navigated critical thoroughfares, supporting the expectations that energy product exports may return to normal levels sooner than expected.

Last week, the International Energy Agency, a group of 32 wealthy nations, announced its plan to release historic quantities of crude oil from its reserves, arresting the sharp escalation in oil prices.

Over the last two weeks, oil shock has gripped financial markets, and Asian markets have led the decline in global markets. Since the start of Israel's war on Iran, benchmark indexes in Japan have plunged 9%, in South Korea dropped 12%, and in India decreased 7%.

Markets in Europe have eased around 4%, and the U.S. lost about 3.6% as the U.S.-Iran war approached the end of the third week.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is anticipated to hold its benchmark rates at the end of its 2-day meeting ending on March 19, amid heightened uncertainty over the Iran war's impact on the domestic economy and inflation.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average added 0.3% to 53,902.67, and the broader Topix Index increased 0.8% to 3,637.21. 

Defense and financial stocks led gainers in Tokyo for the second consecutive session. 

Mitsubishi UFJ, Mizuho Financial, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial gained around 2% ahead of the central bank's rate decisions. 

Mitsubishi Heavy gained 2.2%, Kawasaki Heavy advanced 0.4%, and IHI Corp. increased 1.8%. 

Nippon Yusen Corp. advanced 6.2% to ¥5,972.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines added 4.2% to ¥6,291.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha jumped 6.9% to ¥2,827.50.

Tech Stocks Powered Rally In China Extended Broader Advance to Second Consecutive Day

Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced, tracking gains in overnight trading on Wall Street.

The Hang Seng Index added more than 1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched higher by 0.4%.

Stock market sentiment recovered in China and Asia amid easing worries over geopolitical conflict and inflation. 

However, tensions remained high, as Israeli military and politicians consider possibilities of using nuclear warheads against Iran to counter successful drone strikes.

The Israeli war on Iran, supported by the U.S., has already expanded to at least fifteen neighboring nations, including leading energy suppliers Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. 

The U.S. president said on Monday that the scheduled meeting with China's leader Xi Jinping for March 31 to April 2 may be delayed, as Trump's war on Iran extends to the third week.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index added 1.1% to 26,108.90, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched up 0.4% to 4,690.94. 

Tech stocks led gainers for the second session in a row, as bargain hunters returned. 

Alibaba Group, Meituan, Baidu, Tencent Holdings, and Xiaomi gained between 0.4% and 1.2%. 

Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group soared 65% to HK $15.29 after the company said Ant Group-led takeover received regulatory approvals, clearing major hurdles for the deal to complete by March 30.

Tech Stocks Powered Rally In China Extended Broader Advance to Second Consecutive Day

Stocks in China and Hong Kong advanced, tracking gains in overnight trading on Wall Street.

The Hang Seng Index added more than 1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched higher by 0.4%.

Stock market sentiment recovered in China and Asia amid easing worries over geopolitical conflict and inflation. 

However, tensions remained high, as Israeli military and politicians consider possibilities of using nuclear warheads against Iran to counter successful drone strikes.

The Israeli war on Iran, supported by the U.S., has already expanded to at least fifteen neighboring nations, including leading energy suppliers Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. 

The U.S. president said on Monday that the scheduled meeting with China's leader Xi Jinping for March 31 to April 2 may be delayed, as Trump's war on Iran extends to the third week.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index added 1.1% to 26,108.90, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched up 0.4% to 4,690.94. 

Tech stocks led gainers for the second session in a row, as bargain hunters returned. 

Alibaba Group, Meituan, Baidu, Tencent Holdings, and Xiaomi gained between 0.4% and 1.2%. 

Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group soared 65% to HK $15.29 after the company said Ant Group-led takeover received regulatory approvals, clearing major hurdles for the deal to complete by March 30.

U.S. Stocks Remained Under Pressure for Fourth Consecutive Week

Stocks on Wall Street attempted to rebound from another losing week, and investors reviewed the fast-changing war in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index edged up 0.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite inched higher 0.6%.

World markets turned lower for the second consecutive week as crude prices raced to multi-year highs as conflict in the Middle East showed no signs of easing. 

China's generally positive economic data painted a positive picture for the start of 2026 as retail sales, industrial production, and overall fixed-asset investment advanced in the first two months. 

China's trade surplus continued to advance, driven by a rise in global exports despite geopolitical headwinds. 

China's retail sales advanced 2.8%, industrial output rose 6.3%, and the jobless rate ticked up to 5.3%, according to the statistical bureau.

The sustained rise in exports and China's large rebate program contributed to the solid economic data. 

As exports became less reliable and more volatile, China's policymakers have been pushing for higher domestic consumer spending, renewable energy-driven projects, and digital products. 

Despite the 11.1% decline in real estate investment, overall fixed investment increased 1.8% in the two-month period, confirming the sustained government spending. 

China's new home prices declined 3.2% from a year ago across 70 cities in the February period, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. 

New home prices fell for the 32nd consecutive month and decreased at the steepest pace since June.

Crude oil prices advanced for the fourth week, and the Strait of Hormuz, the key passage for oil shipments in the region, remained closed for the third week. 

In early trading on Monday, the Texas crude oil advanced 1% to $100.36 a barrel before settling down to $97.25 a barrel, and Brent crude edged up 0.3% to 103.35 a barrel. 

U.S. Movers 

Oil companies led the most actively traded stocks in New York. 

Exxon Mobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and EOG Resources advanced between 0.5% and 2%. 

Micron Technology advanced 4.4% to $444.60, and the memory chipmaker announced its plan to build a second plant in Taiwan.