HKG:1099 31 January 2026

Healthcare stocks hold up as Lilly’s $3.5 billion plant plan hits tape; biotech bruised

Eli Lilly shares rose 1.3% after announcing a $3.5 billion Pennsylvania plant for obesity drugs, helping the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund gain 0.6% as the S&P 500 fell. Biotech lagged, with Corcept Therapeutics dropping 10.6% after an FDA rejection. Thermo Fisher slid 2.3% on weak profit guidance. Stryker jumped 4.3% after raising its outlook.

31 January 2026

HKG:1099·NYSE:AZN·NYSE:LLY·NYSE:MRK·NYSE:NVO·NYSE:PFE·Pharmaceuticals

Dollar Rises Amid Iran Conflict Fears and Strong U.S. Economic Data
April 3, 2026, 7:19 AM EDT. The U.S. dollar index climbed 0.36% on Thursday, propelled by a drop in equity markets and heightened demand for safe-haven assets after President Trump's remarks on a possible prolonged Iran war. Better-than-expected U.S. economic data, including a decline in weekly jobless claims to 202,000 and a narrower February trade deficit of $57.3 billion, further supported the dollar. Meanwhile, the euro fell 0.45% due to a stronger dollar and rising crude oil prices, which put pressure on the energy-dependent Eurozone economy. The yen weakened against the dollar, with USD/JPY rising 0.49%, amid similar concerns. Precious metals like gold and silver dropped sharply, weighed down by the stronger dollar and inflationary pressures from rising oil prices, potentially prompting tighter monetary policies globally.