Hang Seng Index Extended Losses to Fourth Consecutive Session; China Manufacturing Shifts, Shrinks, and Elongates Amid Tariff Wars

Investors turned cautious, and benchmark indexes in Hong Kong extended the decline to the fourth consecutive session amid escalating trade tensions and uncertain U.S. trade policy.

Nikkei 225 In Tokyo Extended YTD Losses to 6% Amid Tariff and Rate Path Uncertainties

Japan's fourth quarter GDP growth was revised lower after private consumption stalled amid high cost of living. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average extended its losses to 15% from the peak in July as investors struggle to adjust to constantly changing U.S. trade policy.

China Indexes Trim 2025 Rally Amid Changing Global Economic Outlook

China and Hong Kong indexes extended losses amid worries of a global economic growth slowdown caused by the U.S. trade policy uncertainty.

Japan' Real Wages Eased In January, Current Account Swung to Deficit

Japan's nominal wages rose for the third year in a row in January, but real wages decreased for the second consecutive month. Japan's current account balance swung to a loss for the first time in two years.

China Inflation Reports Confirm Ongoing Consumer Weakness, Stock Indexes Closed Down

Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong turned lower after the release of two inflation reports. Consumer price inflation turned negative, and producer price deflation extended to the 29th consecutive month in February.

Rising Yen and Tech Weakness Dragged Down Nikkei 225 Index

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average extended weekly losses to 1.5% following sharp losses in tech stocks and a broad sell-off sparked by weakness in New York. The yen extended its 2025 gain to 5% ahead of the Bank of Japan's rate decisions, pushing down the export-sensitive stocks.

Hang Seng Index Trimmed Weekly Advance to 4%, Sharp Slowdown In China's Exports In Jan-Feb Period

Stock market indexes in Hong Kong trimmed weekly advance to over 4%, the best weekly rise in two months, after the government set an ambitious annual economic growth target of 5%.

Japanese Yen Jumped to 5-Month High, Export-Driven Stocks Led Gainers In Tokyo

Benchmark indexes in Tokyo extended gains for the second consecutive session, and export-driven stocks led gainers. The yen advanced amid hopes that the Bank of Japan will continue with its rate-hike campaign.

China's Ambitious Growth Target Raises Hopes for Additional Stimulus as Debt Level Reaches New Record High

Benchmark indexes in China and Hong Kong advanced amid optimism about additional stimulus after the Beijing leadership set an ambitious economic annual growth target in 2025.

Japan Indexes Lacked Direction After US Launched Trade War with Major Partners

Benchmark indexes in Japan lacked direction after the U.S. launched a global trade war and signaled to expand its tariffs beyond its three key trade partners. Japan's service sector growth was revised higher in February.

China Targets Ambitious 5% Annual Growth Target, CK Hutchison Sell Panama Ports

China set an annual economic growth target of 5% and raised its annual deficit level to a record high of 4%. Benchmark indexes in Hong Kong and China advanced in the hopes of additional stimulus measures.

Escalating Tit-for-Tat Tariffs Weigh On Stocks in China and Hong Kong

China retaliated with its list of tariffs on American farm products and trade restrictions on American advanced tech companies and threatened to bring a lawsuit against the U.S. to the World Trade Organization.

Yen Edged Higher Amid Narrower Rate Differential Expectations, Nikkei 225 Stock Average Rebounded Nearly 2%

Benchmark indexes in Japan rebounded following a surge in tech stocks on Wall Street in Friday's trading. The yen strengthened amid expectations of a narrowing rate differential between the U.S. and Japan in 2025.

China's Manufacturing Activities Rebounded In February, Mixue Group Soared 40% In HK Debut

China's manufacturing activities rebounded slightly in February, according to two surveys; however, the rebound was weaker than anticipated. Mixue Group, the most popular initial public offering in Hong Kong ever, soared more than 40% on the first day of trading.

Tariff Uncertainties Drag Down Japan Indexes 4% This Week, Retail Sales and Tokyo-Area Inflation Weighs

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average extended weekly losses amid worries of U.S. tariffs and rising trade barriers and softer economic data. Tokyo-area inflation edged lower in February, and Japan's industrial production fell in January; however, retail sales advanced for the 34th consecutive month in January.