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Stocks in Asia Decline, Following Wall Street: Live Updates Global Markets Rise, as Oil Prices Show Signs of Stabilizing: Live Updates
(about 1 hour later)
Asian markets on Wednesday followed Wall Street lower, though futures markets pointed to the potential for improved investor sentiment later in the day. Global markets rose on Wednesday, offering hopes that stocks could break their two-day slump amid signs that oil prices might be stemming their tremendous losses.
Japanese stocks fell more than 1 percent, leading a regional fall, one day after U.S. stocks fell more than 3 percent. The declines were fed in part by turmoil in oil markets, which continued on Wednesday. Prices for Brent crude, the global benchmark, were down more than 10 percent as of midday in Asia. European stocks opened higher after several Asian markets turned positive near the end of their trading day. Futures markets pointed to a positive opening for Wall Street as well.
Bond prices also signaled continued investor discomfort. U.S. Treasury bond prices rose, a signal that the markets were favoring putting money in places considered conservative. A plunge in oil market had unnerved investors, but on Wednesday petroleum prices showed signs of stabilizing. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was down more than 10 percent in futures markets. But West Texas Intermediate, the American benchmark, was flat to positive — albeit from the historically low level of about $11 a barrel — during early European trading.
Still, futures markets suggested stocks in the United States and Europe would open moderately higher. Bond prices also signaled continued investor optimism. U.S. Treasury bond prices fell, a signal that the markets were favoring putting money in places considered less conservative.
At midday in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index was down 1.1 percent. The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong was down 0.6 percent. The Shanghai Composite index in mainland China was down 0.2 percent. South Korea’s Kospi was down 0.6 percent. Japan stocks bucked the trend, with the Nikkei 225 index falling 0.7 percent. The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong rose 0.4 percent. The Shanghai Composite index in mainland China rose 0.6 percent. South Korea’s Kospi was 0.9 percent higher.
In London, the FTSE 100 index was up 1 percent in early trading. Germany’s DAX opened 1.1 percent higher, while the CAC 40 index in France was up 0.6 percent.
Early this winter, as dying patients flooded China’s hospitals and medical workers begged for protective gear on social media, some people in the country started asking why the government had suppressed information early on — and who should be held accountable.
But when the United States and other countries bungled their own responses to the virus, China’s propaganda machine saw an opportunity.
Chinese news outlets — relying on the West’s free flow of information — have used words like “purgatory” and “apocalypse” to describe the tragic hospital scenes in Italy and Spain. They have also run photos of British and American medical workers wearing garbage bags as protective gear.
Reports about similar miseries in China are called “rumors” and censored, and the state-run media’s overall message is that Western countries should copy China’s model. It’s all part of how the ruling Communist Party maintains a facade of positive news — and, by extension, its own legitimacy.
The propaganda push is mostly working, and some young people are waging online attacks against individuals and countries that contradict their belief in China’s superior response. Their tools? A mix of lies and partial truths.
Australia will capitalize on historically low oil prices by spending $59 million to buy oil to bolster its fuel reserves, a top official said on Wednesday.Australia will capitalize on historically low oil prices by spending $59 million to buy oil to bolster its fuel reserves, a top official said on Wednesday.
“Now is the time to buy fuel, and we are doing that,” Energy Minister Angus Taylor told reporters. He said the move would ensure that manufacturers, miners and commuters can have access to adequate fuel supplies if the global oil trade faces further disruptions.“Now is the time to buy fuel, and we are doing that,” Energy Minister Angus Taylor told reporters. He said the move would ensure that manufacturers, miners and commuters can have access to adequate fuel supplies if the global oil trade faces further disruptions.
Mr. Taylor said the oil would be initially kept in the United States as the Australian government explored local storage options.Mr. Taylor said the oil would be initially kept in the United States as the Australian government explored local storage options.
Australia is highly dependent on imports of liquid fuel from Asia and the Middle East, and has been looking to bolster its fuel supplies for years.Australia is highly dependent on imports of liquid fuel from Asia and the Middle East, and has been looking to bolster its fuel supplies for years.
In March, Australia struck a deal with the U.S. to gain access to American emergency reserves. Even so, it only has 20 to 30 days of fuel reserves on its territory — far below the 90-day stocks it is required to hold as a part of an International Energy Agency treaty.In March, Australia struck a deal with the U.S. to gain access to American emergency reserves. Even so, it only has 20 to 30 days of fuel reserves on its territory — far below the 90-day stocks it is required to hold as a part of an International Energy Agency treaty.
China’s state-controlled banking sector is pushing out extra loans as part of a government-led effort to limit the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. But non-performing loans are already starting to increase across the banking system, Chinese regulators announced on Wednesday morning.China’s state-controlled banking sector is pushing out extra loans as part of a government-led effort to limit the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. But non-performing loans are already starting to increase across the banking system, Chinese regulators announced on Wednesday morning.
The proportion of overall loans on which borrowers have failed to pay interest or principal has long been watched as a barometer of China’s financial health. Most Western bank analysts say that loans officially acknowledged as non-performing are just part of a larger pool of loans to businesses that would also default if banks did not keep lending them ever more money.The proportion of overall loans on which borrowers have failed to pay interest or principal has long been watched as a barometer of China’s financial health. Most Western bank analysts say that loans officially acknowledged as non-performing are just part of a larger pool of loans to businesses that would also default if banks did not keep lending them ever more money.
Huang Hong, the first vice chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, said at a news conference that the proportion of loans that are non-performing had crept up to 2.04 percent at the end of the first quarter, from 1.98 percent at the end of last year. He said that the proportion may continue to rise somewhat in the coming months, but that the increase would be manageable.Huang Hong, the first vice chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, said at a news conference that the proportion of loans that are non-performing had crept up to 2.04 percent at the end of the first quarter, from 1.98 percent at the end of last year. He said that the proportion may continue to rise somewhat in the coming months, but that the increase would be manageable.
“We believe that there will be some increase in the future, but the magnitude will not be very large, because we are now resuming production and orderly development,” Mr. Huang said.“We believe that there will be some increase in the future, but the magnitude will not be very large, because we are now resuming production and orderly development,” Mr. Huang said.
While the United States has relied on the federal government to provide loans to small businesses — only to have the pool of money run out quickly — China has put heavy pressure on banks to lend more. But Cao Yu, another vice chairman of the regulatory agency, said at the news conference that some very small businesses could not meet creditworthiness tests and were not receiving loans.While the United States has relied on the federal government to provide loans to small businesses — only to have the pool of money run out quickly — China has put heavy pressure on banks to lend more. But Cao Yu, another vice chairman of the regulatory agency, said at the news conference that some very small businesses could not meet creditworthiness tests and were not receiving loans.
Another worry lies in possible fraud. Mr. Cao said the government had found over 3,000 regulatory violations last year at small and medium-sized financial institutions, often involving loans to people or businesses with personal ties to bank managers. Regulators are continuing to watch for misconduct, he said.Another worry lies in possible fraud. Mr. Cao said the government had found over 3,000 regulatory violations last year at small and medium-sized financial institutions, often involving loans to people or businesses with personal ties to bank managers. Regulators are continuing to watch for misconduct, he said.
The Trump administration on Tuesday ordered Chevron, already hurting from plummeting oil prices related to the coronavirus, to stop producing oil in Venezuela and halt all remaining operations there by December.The Trump administration on Tuesday ordered Chevron, already hurting from plummeting oil prices related to the coronavirus, to stop producing oil in Venezuela and halt all remaining operations there by December.
The move was Washington’s latest ratcheting up of sanctions against the socialist regime of President Nicolás Maduro, which relies on oil revenue to finance the ailing Venezuelan economy.The move was Washington’s latest ratcheting up of sanctions against the socialist regime of President Nicolás Maduro, which relies on oil revenue to finance the ailing Venezuelan economy.
Chevron is the last American oil company to produce oil in Venezuela. It had hoped to continue to function there in the hope that it would have a valuable asset whenever the politics of the country stabilizes. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world, although its oil industry is in shambles because of corruption, mismanagement and American sanctions.Chevron is the last American oil company to produce oil in Venezuela. It had hoped to continue to function there in the hope that it would have a valuable asset whenever the politics of the country stabilizes. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world, although its oil industry is in shambles because of corruption, mismanagement and American sanctions.
Halliburton, Schlumberger and other American oil service companies were also covered by the tightened sanctions, although they have virtually ended their operations already.Halliburton, Schlumberger and other American oil service companies were also covered by the tightened sanctions, although they have virtually ended their operations already.
A decline in Venezuelan oil production may make a small dent in the oversupply of oil on the world market.A decline in Venezuelan oil production may make a small dent in the oversupply of oil on the world market.
The Trump administration is stepping up pressure on some businesses and institutions to return emergency small-business loans that they took if they already have access to capital or face “severe consequences.”The Trump administration is stepping up pressure on some businesses and institutions to return emergency small-business loans that they took if they already have access to capital or face “severe consequences.”
Shake Shack and Harvard University have been under fire this week for taking millions of dollars of stimulus money that was meant to help small businesses cope with the coronavirus pandemic. With Congress set to replenish the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program this week, the White House is planning to update its guidance to ensure that rich organizations do not take money that they do not need.Shake Shack and Harvard University have been under fire this week for taking millions of dollars of stimulus money that was meant to help small businesses cope with the coronavirus pandemic. With Congress set to replenish the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program this week, the White House is planning to update its guidance to ensure that rich organizations do not take money that they do not need.
“Harvard’s going to pay back the money,” President Trump said at a news conference on Tuesday.“Harvard’s going to pay back the money,” President Trump said at a news conference on Tuesday.
Harvard, which has a $40 billion endowment, received $8 million in loan money. Shake Shack said this week that it would return its $10 million loan after a public uproar.Harvard, which has a $40 billion endowment, received $8 million in loan money. Shake Shack said this week that it would return its $10 million loan after a public uproar.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said it appeared that there was some ambiguity in the rules surrounding the loan program that made big companies think they were allowed to apply for the loans.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said it appeared that there was some ambiguity in the rules surrounding the loan program that made big companies think they were allowed to apply for the loans.
“The intent of this was for businesses that needed the money,” Mr. Mnuchin said. “The intent of this money was not for big public companies that have access to capital.”“The intent of this was for businesses that needed the money,” Mr. Mnuchin said. “The intent of this money was not for big public companies that have access to capital.”
Mr. Mnuchin said that the Treasury Department would release new guidance explaining the certification requirements for the loans and that companies that did not meet those requirements would have the opportunity to return the money. Those that fail to do so will face “severe consequences,” Mr. Mnuchin said without elaborating on what the penalties would entail.Mr. Mnuchin said that the Treasury Department would release new guidance explaining the certification requirements for the loans and that companies that did not meet those requirements would have the opportunity to return the money. Those that fail to do so will face “severe consequences,” Mr. Mnuchin said without elaborating on what the penalties would entail.
A federal housing regulator announced a plan on Tuesday to provide financial relief to dozens of mortgage servicing firms worried about paying investors who own bonds backed by mortgages that are in forbearance.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency said the firms had to make just four months of cash payouts to bond investors in mortgages that homeowners have stopped paying. After that, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — the government mortgage firms regulated by the agency — will assume that obligation, for up to eight more months, if necessary.
The industry has feared it could be on the hook for a full year of payments to bond investors, because the federal government’s $2 trillion economic relief package permits homeowners who lose their jobs during the coronavirus crisis to avoid making mortgage payments for 12 months.
The new plan broadens an arrangement already in place for mortgages guaranteed against default by Freddie Mac. But it could create a new round of problems for Fannie and Freddie if tens of millions of people do not pay their mortgages for many months.
Delta Air Lines, one of the major companies set to participate in the federal government’s $25 billion bailout of the airline industry, is scheduled to report its first-quarter earnings on Wednesday.Delta Air Lines, one of the major companies set to participate in the federal government’s $25 billion bailout of the airline industry, is scheduled to report its first-quarter earnings on Wednesday.
General Motors said on Tuesday that it was shutting down its four-year-old car-sharing service, Maven, the latest such venture to close its doors. Maven, which allows customers to rent cars by the hour, has struggled to build a substantial following. It was forced to suspend services in March because of the coronavirus outbreak.General Motors said on Tuesday that it was shutting down its four-year-old car-sharing service, Maven, the latest such venture to close its doors. Maven, which allows customers to rent cars by the hour, has struggled to build a substantial following. It was forced to suspend services in March because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Lyft said Tuesday that it was withdrawing its financial guidance for 2020. The ride-hailing company had said it expected revenue of $4.5 billion to $4.6 billion this year, but demand has plummeted since early March.Lyft said Tuesday that it was withdrawing its financial guidance for 2020. The ride-hailing company had said it expected revenue of $4.5 billion to $4.6 billion this year, but demand has plummeted since early March.
Netflix reported first-quarter earnings on Tuesday that showed a surge in demand for the service with stay-at-home orders in place around the world. The company said 15.7 million new customers signed up in the first three months of the year. Before the pandemic, Netflix expected about seven million.Netflix reported first-quarter earnings on Tuesday that showed a surge in demand for the service with stay-at-home orders in place around the world. The company said 15.7 million new customers signed up in the first three months of the year. Before the pandemic, Netflix expected about seven million.
Reporting was contributed by Isabella Kwai, Keith Bradsher, Edmund Lee, Clifford Krauss, Vindu Goel, Kate Conger, Neal E. Boudette, Mohammed Hadi, Alan Rappeport, Carlos Tejada and Mike Ives.Reporting was contributed by Isabella Kwai, Keith Bradsher, Edmund Lee, Clifford Krauss, Vindu Goel, Kate Conger, Neal E. Boudette, Mohammed Hadi, Alan Rappeport, Carlos Tejada and Mike Ives.