Global stocks soared as China's exports surged
It was a huge day for stocks in Asia, thanks to rising oil prices and better-than-expected trade data out of China. Specifically, the country's exports rose by 11.5% in March, the first increase in nine months, boosting the Shanghai Composite 1.4% for its highest finish since Jan. 8. Hong Kong's Hang Seng followed suit with a 3.2% gain, marking the index's best close since Jan. 5, and its fourth consecutive win.
There was even more good news for stocks out of Japan, where the
yen cooled once again, lifting Japanese exporters. The Nikkei responded with a 2.8% advance. South Korea's Kospi, meanwhile, was closed.
Stocks in Europe are following their Asian counterparts higher at midday. Outside of China's export data, traders are eyeing lower Brent crude futures, as oil prices
retreat from Tuesday's highs. Meanwhile,
Italian bank stocks and mining stocks continue to rally, while retail heavyweight Tesco is trading lower following poorly received guidance. Still, London's FTSE 100 is on pace for a four-month high, last seen up 1.5%. In Germany, the DAX is up 2.2%, while France's CAC 40 has picked up 2.6%.
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