Asian Markets React to Global Trade Uncertainties

Following a significant sell-off on Wall Street, major stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region experienced declines during Friday's afternoon session. The downturn reflects growing investor concerns over trade tensions, particularly between the United States and China, despite President Donald Trump's temporary delay on tariffs for Mexico and Canada.

Market Performance Across the Region

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

Currency Movements

Amidst the market turmoil, the dollar weakened against the yen, trading at ¥147.5350, a 0.19% decrease.