Asian stock markets opened with a mixed tone on Thursday, April 24, 2025, as investors grappled with uncertainty stemming from shifting signals on U.S. trade policy and concerns about central bank independence.
- Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose more than 1%, supported by gains in tech and export-focused stocks, helped by a weaker yen that benefits exporters.
- China’s CSI300 Index edged up by 0.24% after policy measures aimed at channelling more long-term capital into equities, including moves encouraging insurers to invest more in domestic shares.
- Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 0.7% as trade tensions and regional instability weighed on sentiment.
- South Korea’s Kospi remained flat, while the tech-heavy Kosdaq rose 0.34%.
- India’s BSE Sensex opened slightly lower, down 0.07%, with the Nifty50 also slipping by 0.21%, mirroring broader regional caution.
Sentiment and trends
The overall market tone reflects uncertainty. Mixed messages from Washington on tariffs—first hinting at reductions, then walking them back—have left investors wary. Currency markets saw the U.S. dollar soften, with the yen, euro, and Swiss franc gaining ground. Lower Treasury yields also signaled risk aversion.
While some markets like Japan and China benefited from internal policy support or currency trends, others such as Hong Kong and India saw declines, underlining the region’s cautious approach amid global economic ambiguity.
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