Stock Markets
Japan stocks lower at close of trade; Nikkei 225 down 1.45%
Japan stocks were lower after the close on Friday, as losses in the Precision Instruments, Electrical/Machinery and Machinery sectors led shares lower.
At the close in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 lost 1.45%.
The best performers of the session on the Nikkei 225 were Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc., which rose 6.31% or 32.80 points to trade at 552.80 at the close. Meanwhile, Eisai Co., Ltd. added 2.47% or 233.00 points to end at 9,677.00 and Takara Holdings Inc. was up 2.35% or 25.50 points to 1,109.50 in late trade.
The worst performers of the session were Trend Micro Inc., which fell 4.85% or 347.00 points to trade at 6,814.00 at the close. Mitsui & Co., Ltd. declined 4.68% or 272.00 points to end at 5,536.00 and Mitsubishi Corp. was down 4.38% or 321.00 points to 7,001.00.
Falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by 2686 to 939 and 226 ended unchanged.
The Nikkei Volatility, which measures the implied volatility of Nikkei 225 options, was up 0.05% to 20.24.
Crude oil for August delivery was down 1.94% or 1.35 to $68.16 a barrel. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Brent oil for delivery in August fell 1.75% or 1.30 to hit $72.84 a barrel, while the August Gold Futures contract rose 0.22% or 4.15 to trade at $1,927.85 a troy ounce.
USD/JPY was down 0.20% to 142.84, while EUR/JPY fell 0.99% to 155.24.
The US Dollar Index Futures was up 0.62% at 102.62.
Stock Markets
US anti-missile system in Israel used to intercept projectile from Yemen
(Reuters) – An advanced U.S. military anti-missile system was used in Israel to try to intercept a projectile for the first time since President Joe Biden placed the system in Israel in October, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.
The THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, was used to try to intercept a projectile from Yemen sometime during the last 24 hours, and an analysis would determine its success, said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Israel struck multiple targets linked to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen on Thursday, including Sanaa International Airport, and Houthi media said at least six people were killed.
Houthis have repeatedly fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
In October, Biden placed the THAAD system, built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE:), in Israel along with about 100 U.S. soldiers to help defend the country.
THAAD is a critical part of the U.S. military’s layered air defense systems and added to Israel’s already formidable anti-missile defenses.
Stock Markets
Senate intelligence panel criticizes CIA response to Havana syndrome
(Reuters) – A bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report published on Friday criticized the CIA’s response to so-called Havana syndrome health problems among its workforce, saying many individuals “faced obstacles to timely and sufficient care.”
A declassified summary of the panel’s classified report also said the spy agency’s response “negatively affected” those who reported symptoms, leading to a “trust deficit” among some personnel.
While the CIA provided benefits and compensation to many of those reporting symptoms, the report said, the ease of accessing those programs has been inconsistent, affecting how the agency has been organized to deal with the matter.
Stock Markets
Saba capital management buys $826,865 in Pioneer Municipal High Income Fund stock
Following these transactions, Saba Capital now holds 4,057,625 shares of Pioneer Municipal High Income Fund, reflecting its continued confidence in the fund’s performance. The fund currently offers a 4.53% dividend yield and maintains a conservative beta of 0.67, indicating lower volatility compared to the broader market. This move underscores Saba Capital’s strategy to enhance its position in the municipal bond market through this investment. InvestingPro analysis reveals several additional key metrics and insights about MHI’s financial health and market position.
Following these transactions, Saba Capital now holds 4,057,625 shares of Pioneer Municipal High Income Fund, reflecting its continued confidence in the fund’s performance. The fund currently offers a 4.53% dividend yield and maintains a conservative beta of 0.67, indicating lower volatility compared to the broader market. This move underscores Saba Capital’s strategy to enhance its position in the municipal bond market through this investment. InvestingPro analysis reveals several additional key metrics and insights about MHI’s financial health and market position.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
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