MNI BRIEF: BOC Sees Milder Reaction To Tariffs Than To Covid

BOC SAYS ITS RESPONSE TO A TARIFF WAR WON'T BE LIKE IN COVID

BOC: TRADE THREATS ALREADY BLURRING DOMESTIC ECONOMIC REBOUND

MNI INTERVIEW2 -Banxico Optimistic On Non-Core Inflation-Heath

MNI China Daily Summary: Friday, February 21

MNI BOK WATCH: Board To Ease Base Rate To 2.75%

MNI: BAKER HUGHES US RIG COUNT 592; OIL RIGS 488; GAS RIGS 99

BAKER HUGHES CANADA RIG COUNT 244; OIL RIGS 174; GAS RIGS 70

MNI: US NAR: JAN EXISTING HOME SALES 4.08M SAAR

GERMANY: Economy Ministry Lowers 2025 Growth Forecast As Expected

MNI EXCLUSIVE: EU-Mercosur Deal Close, But Likely Short-Lived - Officials

GERMANY: Kukies Considers Potential Non-Implementation Of 2024 Suppl' Budget

© 1982-2025 MNI. All rights reserved.
Terms | Privacy
Log Out
Free Trial

ASIA STOCKS: Asian Equities Higher, As Tech Stocks Lead The Way

ASIA STOCKS
EM BulletFixed Income BulletsBulletAPACEmerging Market NewsForeign Exchange BulletsMarkets

Asian equities advanced, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index rising 0.8%, marking a fourth consecutive session of gains. Tech stocks led the rally, driven by Tencent, which surged to its highest level since 2021 after integrating DeepSeek’s AI model into WeChat search. Optimism around AI adoption and potential private-sector support from Chinese President Xi’s expected meeting with entrepreneurs further boosted sentiment.

  • In Japan, the Topix gained 0.4% as strong earnings from Sony and Sanrio lifted sentiment, though automakers struggled after Donald Trump warned of potential US auto tariffs. Taiwan’s Taiex jumped 1.3%, with TSMC contributing to gains, while South Korea’s Kospi climbed 0.7%.
  • China’s CSI 300 up 0.10% and Hong Kong’s HSI up 0.20%  posted modest gains, while Chinese brokerage stocks rose on news of a government stake transfer to Central Huijin Investment.
  • Meanwhile, Australian equities underperformed, with the ASX 200 falling 0.4%, pressured by insurance stocks on reports of potential political intervention. There has been a flurry of earnings out in Australia today with notable movers included a2 Milk (+18%) on strong earnings, Bluescope Steel (+9.3%) on better-than-expected results, and Bendigo & Adelaide Bank (-19%) after a revenue miss.
  • Investors are also watching upcoming earnings from Alibaba, Baidu, and Rio Tinto, along with rate decisions from Australia and Indonesia.
208 words

To read the full story

Close

Why MNI

MNI is the leading provider

of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.

Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.

Asian equities advanced, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index rising 0.8%, marking a fourth consecutive session of gains. Tech stocks led the rally, driven by Tencent, which surged to its highest level since 2021 after integrating DeepSeek’s AI model into WeChat search. Optimism around AI adoption and potential private-sector support from Chinese President Xi’s expected meeting with entrepreneurs further boosted sentiment.

  • In Japan, the Topix gained 0.4% as strong earnings from Sony and Sanrio lifted sentiment, though automakers struggled after Donald Trump warned of potential US auto tariffs. Taiwan’s Taiex jumped 1.3%, with TSMC contributing to gains, while South Korea’s Kospi climbed 0.7%.
  • China’s CSI 300 up 0.10% and Hong Kong’s HSI up 0.20%  posted modest gains, while Chinese brokerage stocks rose on news of a government stake transfer to Central Huijin Investment.
  • Meanwhile, Australian equities underperformed, with the ASX 200 falling 0.4%, pressured by insurance stocks on reports of potential political intervention. There has been a flurry of earnings out in Australia today with notable movers included a2 Milk (+18%) on strong earnings, Bluescope Steel (+9.3%) on better-than-expected results, and Bendigo & Adelaide Bank (-19%) after a revenue miss.
  • Investors are also watching upcoming earnings from Alibaba, Baidu, and Rio Tinto, along with rate decisions from Australia and Indonesia.