Asian markets opened on an uncertain footing Tuesday, with investors weighing trade signals from Washington and anticipating key policy cues from Europe and the United States later in the day.
Japan’s Nikkei fell by nearly 1%, dragged lower by a stronger yen and mild tech-sector weakness. In contrast, South Korea’s Kospi rose sharply, gaining 1.7% on the back of strong semiconductor performance and easing inflation data. Indian equities opened in positive territory, with the Nifty50 moving modestly higher amid hopes of fiscal stimulus and continued foreign investment flows.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng showed limited movement, still clouded by property sector concerns and regulatory headwinds from Beijing. Chinese mainland markets remained subdued as sentiment faltered over lacklustre industrial data and ongoing geopolitical risks.
Investors in Asia remained cautious in light of mounting uncertainty surrounding former President Donald Trump’s expansive tax-and-spending bill currently being debated in the US Senate. Dubbed the “one big beautiful bill,” the sweeping package includes significant changes to tariffs, infrastructure funding and energy policy—each with global ripple effects.
Looking to Europe
European markets are expected to open slightly higher, buoyed by improved sentiment around global trade talks and stable inflation readings across the eurozone. Futures for the STOXX600 indicate a minor rebound after Monday’s losses. However, caution persists due to the continued fallout from the US Senate’s legislative wrangling and persistent questions over central bank direction heading into the third quarter.
Bond markets in Europe are holding steady, with yields showing little volatility amid expectations that the European Central Bank will maintain current policy until more conclusive economic data emerges.
Outlook for US session
Wall Street futures suggest a flat to mildly lower open. Investors are awaiting Thursday’s key jobs report and watching the Senate’s amendment marathon for clues about how Trump’s legislative ambitions may affect fiscal policy, infrastructure investment and corporate taxation.
Tech and energy stocks are likely to dominate headlines, especially as oil prices waver and signs of slowing manufacturing activity re-emerge. Analysts expect trading to remain range-bound unless clearer signals emerge from Capitol Hill or the Federal Reserve.
Asian markets delivered a mixed performance as traders remain finely attuned to macroeconomic developments and shifting policy winds in Washington. European bourses appear set for a modest rebound, though confidence remains fragile. In the US, markets are likely to tread water until labour data and political clarity offer a firmer sense of direction.
REFH – newshub finance
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