In Asian Equity Markets indices saw their losses deepen as the Thursday session progressed, with investors cautious ahead of a deadline when tariffs from the U.S. and China are due to be implemented. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 0.88 percent, with the energy and materials sectors among the worst-performing. Heavily weighted financials stocks eased 1.12 percent. Japan’s Nikkei 225, meanwhile, fell 0.98 percent amid broad-based weakness, with declines in oil producers and retailers leading losses the losses. Index heavyweight Fast Retailing fell 2.67 percent.

In Currency Markets major currencies were on tenterhooks on Thursday on the eve of Washington’s deadline to impose tariffs on Chinese imports while the yuan held steady after the central bank this week sought to stem its recent decline. The euro stood little changed at $1.1662, having found firm support near $1.15 over the past few weeks despite worries about an economic slowdown and political instability in Europe. The dollar traded at 110.38 yen, off a six-week high of 111.14 set on Tuesday.

In Commodities Markets oil prices fell on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump sent a strident tweet demanding that OPEC cut prices for crude. The escalating trade row between Washington and Beijing also cast a shadow over markets, with China warning it could introduce duties on U.S. crude imports at an as yet unspecified date. Brent crude futures were at $77.68 per barrel, down 56 cents, or 0.7 percent, from their last close. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were down 29 cents, or 0.4 percent, at $73.85 per barrel.

In US Equity Markets trading was closed for the Independence Day holiday.

In Bond Markets Treasuries were closed for the Independence Day holiday.