Asian Markets React to Global Trade Uncertainties

Major stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region experienced a downturn during Friday's afternoon session, reflecting the ripple effects of Wall Street's recent sell-off. This market movement comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision to delay tariffs on Mexico and Canada, a move that has done little to assuage investor concerns amidst escalating trade tensions with China.

Market Performance Across the Region

Japan's Nikkei index saw a significant drop of 2.24%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng and South Korea's Kospi indices also slipped by 0.27% and 0.46%, respectively. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 wasn't spared either, closing down by 1.81%. In mainland China, the Shenzhen Composite and the Shanghai Composite indices recorded declines of 0.38% and 0.17%, respectively.

Currency Movements

Amidst these market fluctuations, the dollar weakened against the yen, losing 0.19% to trade at ¥147.5350.