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Asia stock markets today: live updates

by Priya Shah – Business Editor July 29, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Asian Markets Brace for US-China Trade Talks as US Stocks Close Higher

Singapore – Investors in Asia are closely monitoring the upcoming resumption of US-China trade talks in Stockholm on Monday, a development that could influence market sentiment across the region. The discussions, aimed at addressing long-standing economic disputes, will be led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier he Lifeng.

Futures for Hong Kong’s Hang seng Index are indicating a slightly stronger opening, trading at 25,396 compared to its previous close of 25,388.35. Japan’s Nikkei 225 is also poised for a higher start, with Chicago futures at 41,645 and Osaka futures at 41,410, against Friday’s closing figure of 41,456.23. In contrast, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 is expected to open lower, with futures at 8,626, down from its last close of 8,666.90.

Meanwhile, U.S. stock markets concluded Friday on a positive note, with all three major averages posting gains for the week. The S&P 500 finished the session 0.40% higher at 6,388.64.The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.24% to 21,108.32, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 208.01 points, or 0.47%,to settle at 44,901.92.

despite potential near-term market fluctuations, UBS Global Wealth Management advises investors against excessive concern. Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, chief investment officer for the Americas and global head of equities, noted that while threats to Federal Reserve independence, resurgent trade tensions ahead of an August 1 deadline, and potential economic harm from tariffs could contribute to volatility, any market swings are expected to be temporary.

July 29, 2025 0 comments

Business

Asia Stock Markets Rise in Early Trade

by Priya Shah – Business Editor July 22, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Asian markets Brace for Reopening as U.S. Futures Show Gains

Investors in Asia are closely monitoring the reopening of Japan’s equity and bond markets following a national holiday.The Japanese yen saw a strengthening against the U.S. dollar on Monday,reversing a trend of weakening in the weeks preceding the nation’s election.

Futures for Japan’s Nikkei 225 index indicated a higher opening, with Chicago futures at 39,830 and Osaka futures at 39,820, compared to the index’s previous close of 39,819.11. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index futures were trading at 25,049, suggesting a stronger start than its prior close of 24,994.14. Conversely, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was poised for a lower opening, with futures at 8,660 against its last close of 8,668.20.Meanwhile, U.S. equity futures experienced a rise in early Asian trading hours. This comes after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite concluded Monday’s session at record closing highs, having also achieved new intraday records. The S&P 500 advanced 0.14% to 6,305.60, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.38% to close at 20,974.17. The Dow Jones industrial Average, however, saw a slight decline of 19.12 points, or 0.04%, ending at 44,323.07.

context on Market Volatility

Despite ongoing risks related to trade and inflation, the stock market has exhibited unusual calm, with the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) remaining notably subdued throughout the month. Though, this stability could be short-lived. As Mark Hackett, chief market strategist at Nationwide, noted, “With next week bringing the FOMC meeting, GDP data, a key tariff deadline, and a wave of earnings – in a historically weak window for the markets – even small surprises could trigger sharp reactions.” Hackett cautioned that “calm can quickly turn to complacency” and suggested that current market positioning leans towards a potential rally rather than a decline.

July 22, 2025 0 comments

Business

Asia stock markets today: live updates

by Priya Shah – Business Editor July 21, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Asia-Pacific Markets Show Mixed Opening Signals

Mixed Performance as Investors Eye China’s Rate Decision

Asian markets experienced a divided start to the trading week, with South Korea showing gains while Australia’s benchmark index held steady. Investors are closely anticipating crucial economic data from China later today.

South Korean Stocks Advance

The Kospi index in South Korea opened higher on Monday, rising by 0.45%. In contrast, the Kosdaq, which tracks smaller companies, remained unchanged in early trading. As of 8:10 a.m. Singapore time, trading activity reflected a cautious sentiment across the region.

Australian and Japanese Markets Flat or Closed

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 benchmark traded flat, mirroring a subdued opening. Japanese markets were closed for the public holiday observance of Marine Day, contributing to the mixed regional picture.

US Futures Show Little Movement

U.S. stock futures experienced minimal changes in early Asian trading hours, suggesting a stable outlook for Wall Street ahead of its opening. This stability comes after a mixed finish for major U.S. indices on Friday.

Friday’s U.S. Market Recap

On Friday, U.S. markets saw a downturn in afternoon trading, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average ending in negative territory. Fears over escalating tariffs appear to have influenced investor sentiment, leading to a late sell-off.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, comprising 30 large-cap stocks, fell by 142.30 points, closing at 44,342.19, a decline of 0.32%. The broader S&P 500 index saw a slight decrease of 0.01%, settling at 6,296.79. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite managed a modest gain, adding 0.05% to finish at 20,895.66.

Anticipation Builds for China’s Loan Prime Rate

Market participants are keenly awaiting the People’s Bank of China’s announcement on its one-year and five-year loan prime rates for July. This decision is expected to provide insights into China’s economic policy and growth trajectory. For context, China’s central bank last adjusted its benchmark lending rates in June, reflecting ongoing efforts to stimulate economic activity.

Hong Kong and Australia Futures Signal Opening Trends

Futures for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index indicated a stronger opening, with the contract at 24,883 compared to the previous closing value of 24,825.66. Conversely, Australian S&P/ASX 200 futures pointed to a lower start, trading at 8,688 against its last close of 8,757.20.

July 21, 2025 0 comments

World

Asia stock markets today: live updates

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 8, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

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Trump Tariff Announcement Rattles Asia-Pacific Markets

Uncertainty looms as trade tensions escalate

Asia-Pacific markets presented a mixed picture Monday following **President Donald Trump**’s confirmation that previously announced tariffs would be implemented on August 1 for nations without trade agreements, heightening worries about global economic stability.

Market Reactions

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index concluded the day down by 0.56%, settling at 39,587.68, while the Topix index experienced a similar decline of 0.57%, closing at 2,811.72. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Kospi showed a slight gain, rising 0.17% to finish at 3,059.47; the Kosdaq also closed higher, up by 0.34% at 778.46.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index edged down by 0.16% to end at 8,589.3. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declined 0.61%, and mainland China’s CSI 300 decreased 0.43%, reaching 3,965.17.

Adding to the uncertainty, **Trump** announced an additional 10% tariff on countries “aligning themselves with the anti-American policies of BRICS”, coinciding with the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A recent report by the World Bank indicates that increased trade restrictions could reduce global trade by as much as 9% (World Bank, 2024).

U.S. Futures Tumble

U.S. stock futures experienced a downturn following **Trump**’s confirmation that tariffs would take effect on August 1, rather than July 9. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dropped by 146 points, or 0.32%. S&P 500 futures fell 0.39%, and Nasdaq 100 futures declined by 0.42%.

Background on Tariffs

Treasury Secretary **Scott Bessent** stated that tariffs introduced in April would be enforced starting August 1 for countries lacking an agreement with the **Trump** administration. While **Bessent** downplayed the notion of a fresh deadline, he suggested the new date could provide trading partners more time for renegotiation.

Waterfront city skyline of Sydney city downtown at night with bright illumination of modern architectural landmarks in Sydney, Australia. Prasit Photo | Moment | Getty Images

Last Friday in the U.S., major averages closed higher, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching new highs. The Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.33%, closing at 18,342.94, less than 2% below its all-time high.

Additionally, the Reserve Bank of Australia is commencing its two-day meeting, with expectations of a 25 basis point rate cut to 3.60%.

July 8, 2025 0 comments

Business

Asia stock markets today: live updates

by Priya Shah – Business Editor July 4, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Asia-Pacific Markets Mixed After Promising US Jobs Data

Asia-Pacific markets presented a mixed performance today, following gains on Wall Street driven by a surprisingly robust U.S. jobs report that tempered fears of an economic downturn.

Performance Across Key Markets

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index experienced choppy trading but ultimately rose by 0.23%, while the broader Topix index saw a more modest increase of 0.17%.

South Korean markets faced headwinds, with the Kospi index declining by 1.09% and the small-cap Kosdaq falling by 1.51%.

In mainland China, the CSI 300 index began the day with a 0.11% dip, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index experienced a steeper decline of 1.43%.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200, however, bucked the trend with a 0.21% increase.

US Jobs Report Impact

The better-than-expected U.S. jobs data released this week provided some reassurance to investors, suggesting that the American economy may be more resilient than previously anticipated. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate remained at 4.0% in June, defying expectations of a rise (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

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July 4, 2025 0 comments

Business

Asia stock markets today: live updates

by Priya Shah – Business Editor July 3, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Vietnam’s Stocks Surge as Dong Hits Record Low

Taiwan shares also jump; Asia markets show mixed results after trade deal.

Following news of a trade agreement with the U.S., Vietnamese stocks have soared, reaching levels unseen in over three years. However, the Vietnamese dong has simultaneously weakened to a record low against the dollar, highlighting potential economic complexities.

Vietnam Index Reaches New Heights

The benchmark Vietnam Index increased by 0.3%, achieving its highest point since April 2022, according to LSEG data. The best performing sectors included basic materials and technology. Key gainers comprised Saigon Machinery Spare Parts, rising 6.25%, and Truong Tranh Furniture Corporation, climbing 6.6%. Vietnam Container Shipping also experienced a notable rise of 4.4%.

Dong’s Depreciation and Trade Deal Implications

LSEG data indicated the Vietnamese dong depreciated to a record low of 26,195 per dollar following the U.S. trade deal. While the agreement boosted U.S. equities, **Vishnu Varathan**, Mizuho Securities’ head of macro research for Asia ex-Japan, cautioned against assuming similar optimism across all Asian markets.

“For one, the deal with Vietnam is a stark reminder of the imbalance in leverage, to the disadvantage of Asian exporters,” he wrote in a Thursday note. However, he noted the dong’s depreciation might buffer the impact of the 20% tariffs.

For context, a recent report by the World Bank indicated that currency depreciation can lead to increased export competitiveness but also raises the cost of imports, potentially fueling inflation (World Bank 2024).

Taiwanese Stocks Experience Gains

Taiwanese stocks also saw positive movement, jumping as much as 1.1% to reach their highest level since March 6, per LSEG data. Technology and consumer cyclical stocks primarily drove these gains. Shares of Powertech Industrial, a semiconductor packaging and testing company, led the surge with a 10% increase. Win Win Precision Industrial rose 7.2%, and Nan Ya PCB Corporation, a circuit board manufacturer, climbed over 9%. Lai Yih Footware also saw a significant jump of 8.52%.

Mixed Performance Across Asia-Pacific Markets

Asia-Pacific markets displayed mixed results as of 8 a.m. Singapore time. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.15%, and the Topix lost 0.21%. Conversely, South Korea’s Kospi added 0.77%, and the small-cap Kosdaq rose 0.5%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 increased by 0.13% at the open.

U.S.-Vietnam Trade Deal Details

**President Donald Trump** announced Wednesday that the United States and Vietnam had reached a trade agreement that imposes a 20% tariff on Vietnamese imports to the U.S.

The US and Vietnam have agreed on a new trade deal. It's huge! 🇺🇸🤝🇻🇳 pic.twitter.com/mxnC2KjCm4

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2025

According to **Trump**, the deal grants the U.S. tariff-free access to Vietnam’s markets. Additionally, Vietnam has agreed to a 40% tariff on goods originating from other countries and transshipped through Vietnam to the United States. This measure aims to prevent the circumvention of trade barriers, a practice reportedly used by China.

Wall Street’s Wednesday Close

On Wednesday, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite both closed higher. The S&P 500 increased by 0.47% to close at 6,227.42, and the Nasdaq jumped 0.94%, finishing at 20,393.13. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, edged down by 10.52 points, or 0.02%, to end the day at 44,484.42.

July 3, 2025 0 comments

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