Asia-Pacific Markets Respond Positively to US-Japan Trade Developments

Following optimistic remarks from United States President Donald Trump regarding 'big progress' in trade talks with Japan, major stock exchanges across the Asia-Pacific region experienced notable gains on Thursday. This positive market movement was further supported by recent economic data releases from Japan and Australia.

Key Market Movements

In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite saw a slight increase of 0.08%, while the Shenzhen Composite grew by 0.26%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index surged significantly by 1.55%, and South Korea's Kospi Composite advanced by 0.69%. Meanwhile, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 and Japan's Nikkei 225 rose by 0.59% and 0.81%, respectively.

Currency and Economic Indicators

The dollar traded 0.45% above the yen, reaching 142.50300. Japan reported a trade balance surplus, and Australia released its unemployment figures, both contributing to the day's positive market sentiment.