Asian stock markets kicked off Wednesday, June 4, 2025, with a wave of optimism, buoyed by stronger-than-expected US jobs data that eased concerns over escalating trade tensions. Investors across the region responded positively to the latest JOLTS report, which signalled robust hiring in the US, suggesting economic resilience despite President Donald Trump’s ongoing tariff policies. The upbeat sentiment rippled through major indices, with most markets posting gains, though some fluctuations highlighted lingering uncertainties in the global trade landscape.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 surged 1.1%, closing at approximately 37,857, as investors cheered the positive US data and parsed local economic signals. The broader Topix index saw a more modest rise of 0.4%, reflecting cautious optimism amid Japan’s tight labour market and rising inflation, with Tokyo’s core consumer price index recently hitting a 3.6% annual increase. South Korea’s KOSPI outperformed, climbing 1.5% to around 2,598, driven by strong performances in tech and manufacturing sectors, despite earlier concerns over a five-year low in new factory orders. The market’s strength was partly attributed to optimism following South Korea’s recent presidential election.
China’s markets showed mixed results. The Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.04% to 3,852, while the Shenzhen Component Index gained 0.14%, and the Chinext Index rose 0.33%. However, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dipped slightly by 0.05%, with the Hang Seng Tech Index falling 0.34%, reflecting investor caution over US-China trade frictions. China’s recent pushback against US accusations of violating a temporary trade agreement has kept markets on edge, with fears of further tariff hikes dampening sentiment in tech-heavy sectors. Chinese steelmakers, such as Chongqing Iron & Steel and Maanshan Iron & Steel, saw declines of 1.56% and 3.51%, respectively, as Trump’s proposed 50% tariffs on steel exports loomed large.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.4% to 8,275, bolstered by gains in mining and energy stocks, as investors weighed the impact of global trade dynamics against domestic economic resilience. The Australian dollar strengthened 0.3% against the US dollar, reflecting confidence in the region’s commodity-driven economy. Meanwhile, India’s Nifty 50 and Sensex indices were poised for a higher opening, with GIFT Nifty futures at 24,314, supported by Wall Street’s positive close and anticipation of the Reserve Bank of India’s upcoming policy decision.
The broader market mood was shaped by a softening US dollar, which weakened as trade uncertainties persisted. Spot gold, a safe-haven asset, traded flat at $3,374 per ounce after a sharp rally earlier in the week, underscoring ongoing global trade jitters. While the US jobs data provided a temporary reprieve, analysts warned that Trump’s tariff policies, including a potential 54% rate on Chinese exports, could still weigh heavily on Asian economies reliant on US markets. South Korea and India, facing 25% and 26% tariffs respectively, remain vulnerable to trade disruptions.
As Asian markets navigate this complex landscape, today’s gains reflect a delicate balance of hope and caution. Investors are closely monitoring US policy moves and local economic indicators, with Japan’s rising bond yields and China’s manufacturing slowdown adding layers of complexity. For now, the region’s markets are riding a wave of optimism, but the shadow of trade wars looms large, promising volatility in the days ahead.
newshub finance
Recent Comments