Market Reaction to Tokyo Inflation Data

Following the release of higher-than-expected annual inflation data from Tokyo, major stock market indexes across the Asia-Pacific region experienced a downturn on Friday. This development comes as investors are still evaluating the repercussions of US President Donald Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on automobiles manufactured outside the United States.

Performance of Key Markets

Japan's Nikkei saw a significant drop, declining by 2.18% or 824 points by 7:08 am CET, with the US dollar also losing 0.19% against the yen. South Korea's Kospi wasn't spared, decreasing by 2.04%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 managed a slight gain, closing 0.16% higher.

In China, the Shanghai Composite fell by 0.51%, and the Shenzhen Composite decreased by 0.60% by 6:54 am CET. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index slid by 0.99%, shedding 234 points by 7:10 am CET.