The China Mail - Stock markets gain, dollar dips before US inflation

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index briefly traded above 9,000 points for the first time. Indices generally were benefiting from optimism that governments will hammer out deals to avoid the worst of US President Donald Trump's tariff threats.

Oil prices dropped despite Trump telling major crude producer Russia to end its war in Ukraine within 50 days or face massive new economic sanctions.

"Markets are particularly attuned to the evolving landscape of trade negotiations," noted Samer Hasn, senior analyst at traders XS.com.

"Moreover, the market is awaiting key releases today, including the (US) Consumer Price Index."

Traders are also keeping a watch over the start of the earnings season.

US investment banking giant JPMorgan Chase on Tuesday reported second-quarter profits that topped analyst estimates.

Chief executive Jamie Dimon described the US economy as "resilient" while facing "signifiant risks", including over tariffs uncertainty.

Ahead of Wall Street reopening, US futures rallied following news that tech titan Nvidia will resume sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chips to China, after Washington pledged to remove licensing curbs that halted exports.

The Nasdaq hit another record high on Monday.

Trump meanwhile said he would impose antidumping duties on most imports of fresh tomatoes from Mexico, with the US Commerce Department accusing its neighbour of engaging in unfair trade.

That came after the president said he would hit Mexico and European Union with 30 percent levies, following a slew of announced measures against key partners last week if deals are not struck by August 1.

Analysts said investors viewed the warnings as negotiating ploys rather than a genuine move, citing previous threats that were later rowed back.

Bitcoin retreated, having hit a record high above $123,200 Monday thanks to optimism over possible regulatory changes for crypto assets in the United States.

- Key figures at around 1100 GMT -

London - FTSE 100: FLAT at 8,995.58 points

Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.1 percent at 7,815.63

Frankfurt - DAX: UP 0.2 percent at 24,192.33

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.6 percent at 39,678.02 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 1.6 percent at 24,590.12 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.4 percent at 3,505.00 (close)

New York - Dow: UP 0.2 percent at 44,459.65 (close)

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1682 from $1.1670

Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3454 from $1.3428

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 147.76 yen from 147.77 yen

Euro/pound: DOWN at 86.83 pence from 86.88 pence

West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.7 percent at $66.51 per barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.5 percent at $68.88 per barrel

burs-bcp/rmb

S.Davis--ThChM