Economy
Asian Stocks Appreciate on Fresh Trade Talks Optimism
By Investors Hub
Asian stocks rose broadly on Tuesday, though markets pared early gains after China’s Commerce Ministry said Vice Premier Liu He, China’s chief trade negotiator, held a call with his U.S. counterparts on core issues and that both sides agreed to keep in touch over ?remaining issues? for a phase one trade deal.
Chinese shares eked out marginal gains, led by technology companies. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index inched up 0.89 points to 2,907.06, although Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.3 percent to close at 26,913.92.
Japanese shares hit their highest level in more than a year as the dollar hit a one-week high against the yen on growing optimism that China and the United States will reach a partial trade agreement.
The Nikkei 225 Index rose 80.51 points, or 0.4 percent, to 23,373.32 after reaching as high as 23,608.06, its highest level since October 5, 2018. The broader Topix closed 0.2 percent higher at 1,705.71.
Electronics part and semiconductor-related stocks were among the prominent gainers. Tokyo Electron, TDK Corp. and Murata Manufacturing jumped 3-5 percent. Exporter Sony rallied 2.7 percent and Panasonic gained 1.4 percent.
Hitachi rose 0.9 percent on a Nikkei report that the company is nearing a deal to sell its 51 percent stake in its chemical unit to Showa Denko in a deal worth about 950 billion yen. Hitachi Chemical shares soared 15.4 percent.
Australian markets gained ground as Westpac Banking Corp. snapped four sessions of declines and rising oil prices helped lift energy stocks.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index climbed 56.10 points, or 0.8 percent, to 6,787.50, while the broader All Ordinaries Index ended up 54.20 points, or 0.8 percent, at 6,889.80.
Westpac advanced 1.7 percent as its chief executive stepped down over a money laundering scandal. Bank of Queensland plunged 5.8 percent after announcing a A$250 million discounted placement.
Caltex Australia soared 13.4 percent after it received a revised unsolicited indicative takeover offer from Canadian convenience store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
Energy stocks such as Origin Energy, Santos and Woodside Petroleum rose between 0.4 percent and 0.9 percent.
Mining giant BHP, which is set to increase its stake in SolGold, edged up slightly, while Rio Tinto ended flat and Fortescue Metals Group gained 1.5 percent.
In the healthcare sector, CSL rallied 2.3 percent, Cochlear gained 2.2 percent and Resmed rose 1.3 percent.
In economic news, Reserve Bank of Australia Deputy Governor Guy Debelle said lower wage growth has become the new normal.
“We expect wages growth to remain largely unchanged at its current level over the next couple of years,” Debelle said.
Meanwhile, Seoul stocks edged lower as foreign investors extended their selling streak to a 14th consecutive session.
The benchmark Kospi reversed early gains to end the session down 2.15 points, or 0.1 percent, at 2,121.35. Automakers fell, with Hyundai Motor falling 2 percent, while its affiliate Kia Motors dropped 1.7 percent.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The pre-registration training and examination for capital market operators (CMOs) for the second quarter of 2026 has been postponed.
Business Post gathered that the new date for the exercise is now Monday, June 15, 2026.
This information was disclosed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through a circular on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The Nigerian capital market regulator stated that this postponement has also resulted in the extension of the deadline for registration to Friday, June 12, 2026.
In the notice today, the SEC expressed its regret for the inconvenience this action may cause operators, who had prepared for the initial date of the training and examination.
“Further to the recent circular on Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hereby informs all eligible applicants for the Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination that the commencement date has been postponed to Monday, June 15, 2026.
“Registration on the designated portal has also been extended to Friday, June 12, 2026. All other conditions contained in the circular remain unchanged.
“The commission regrets any inconvenience this postponement may cause and appreciates the understanding of all applicants,” the disclosure noted.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the leading healthcare firms in Nigeria, Fidson Healthcare Plc, has listed additional shares on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
The new stocks absorbed into the stock market were 600 million units, raising the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each from 2,400,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.
The fresh equities came from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share.
They were issued to existing investors on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as of the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Confirming the development, the regulator in a notice said, “Trading licence holders are hereby notified that an additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each of Fidson Healthcare Plc were on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, listed on the daily official list of Nigerian Exchange Limited.
“The additional shares arose from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
“With the listing of the additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares, the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson Healthcare Plc have now increased from 2,400,000,000 to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
This news will surely excite local contractors with verified claims of N100 million or less, as the federal government has approved their payments.
This approval for the disbursement was given by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele.
This followed a verification and reconciliation exercise designed to ensure only validated claims qualify for payment.
The beneficiaries cover contractors across multiple ministries, departments and agencies. The release of the funds is expected to enable contractors to return to project sites, pay workers, settle suppliers and meet outstanding financial commitments.
In an announcement on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Finance also said this latest batch of payments would ease liquidity pressure on small businesses and accelerate economic activity nationwide.
It was noted that the payments for verified claims of N100 million below were strategically done to spread economic impact broadly rather than concentrate disbursements among a handful of large firms.
The payments form part of a broader push to clear inherited contractor obligations, with over N700 billion verified in recent months.
“For many beneficiaries, the release of funds represents more than a financial transaction. It provides the certainty needed to sustain operations, preserve jobs, complete ongoing projects, and contribute to economic recovery and growth,” the ministry said in a statement.
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