Asian Markets Show Mixed Responses to Trump's Tariffs

Following a mixed closure on Wall Street, major stock indexes in the Asia-Pacific region presented a varied picture on Wednesday. Investors are closely monitoring Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's recent testimony before the Banking Committee, seeking insights into future rate cuts.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 saw a modest increase of 0.29% by 2:52 am CET. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng experienced a significant jump of 1.15% at 02:53 am CET, and South Korea's Kospi added 0.23%. Mainland China's stock markets, however, showed little movement, with both the Shanghai Composite and the Shenzen Composite trading flat at 2:54 am CET. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 also saw a slight increase, adding 0.23% by 2:55 am CET.

On the currency front, the dollar strengthened against the yen, trading 0.59% higher at 2:56 am CET, with a selling price of 153.46300.