Market Surge as US-China Tariff Truce Boosts Confidence

Chinese stocks rallied, and the yuan showed strength on Monday following an announcement that the United States and China have reached an agreement to significantly reduce reciprocal tariffs. This development marks a substantial de-escalation in what had threatened to become a damaging trade war.

After talks with Chinese officials in Geneva, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that both sides agreed on a tariff reduction of 115 percentage points, as noted in a joint statement. This move has bolstered investor confidence, indicating a potential avoidance of a full-scale trade war. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong surged 3%, while the Hang Seng Tech Index jumped over 5%, their largest single-day gains since March.

The yuan appreciated to a six-month high against the dollar, and China's CSI 300 Index and the Shanghai Composite Index also reported gains. The agreement follows tensions escalating since Trump's tariff announcements, which had disrupted financial markets. The strengthened yuan benefited from capital flight from U.S. markets, highlighting shifting economic dynamics.

(With inputs from agencies.)