HONG KONG: Asian markets mostly rose on Monday, with investors keeping a wary eye on China-US trade talks planned for the weekend, which come after Washington imposed sanctions on several Hong Kong officials, further straining tensions between the superpowers. Washington on Friday hit a group of Chinese and Hong Kong officials — including the city’s leader Carrie Lam — with sanctions in the latest salvo in a row linked to Beijing’s decision to impose a security law on the city. The developments have put the spotlight on Saturday’s meeting of trade officials to review their “phase one” trade deal signed in January. Analysts said the surge was fuelled by pro-democracy activists urging investors on social media to pile into the market to support the firm. With matters at a standstill, Trump signed measures Saturday giving Americans up to $400 a week extra in their unemployment benefits, while others offer some protection from evictions and relief for student loans.

Source: Manila Times August 10, 2020 07:30 UTC