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ASIA STOCKS: Equities Edge Higher, HK Equities Lead, Sign Of Tariff Relief

ASIA STOCKS
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Asian equities broadly rose on Wednesday, buoyed by optimism over China’s economic policy direction and signs of potential tariff relief from the U.S. administration. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 0.7%, with major gains in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Chinese markets rallied as the government reaffirmed its 5% growth target and announced increased fiscal spending, raising hopes for more stimulus. India rebounded after a historic 10-day losing streak, while Japan and South Korea gained on optimism surrounding trade. Australia was a notable laggard, with its market declining.

  • Chinese stocks rose as Beijing maintained its 5% GDP growth target for 2025 and set its highest fiscal deficit in over three decades, signaling increased government support. Investors welcomed pledges to boost AI, 6G, and quantum computing, leading to strong gains in technology and semiconductor stocks. The Hang Seng Index jumped 1.7%, with the technology sector leading gains, while the CSI 300 index edged up 0.3%.
  • Japan’s Nikkei Index rose 0.7%, while the broader Topix Index gained 0.6%. The market benefited from improving global sentiment following the Trump administration’s indication of potential tariff rollbacks. The weaker yen supported exporters, while investors also rotated into stocks that had underperformed in recent sessions.
  • South Korea's KOSPI Index added 1%, driven by gains in semiconductors and heavy industries. SK hynix rose 1.34%, while steel giant POSCO Holdings gained 2.24%. However, defense stocks declined, with Hanwha Aerospace down 3.57% and Hanwha Ocean tumbling 7.17% after a prior-day surge. Investors responded positively to hopes that U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico might be reversed. The Korean won appreciated slightly against the dollar.
  • Taiwan’s Taiex Index jumped 1.5%, bolstered by strong performance in semiconductor stocks, particularly TSMC. The global AI boom and expectations of more tech-friendly policies from China lifted sentiment.
  • Australia's ASX 200 is 0.90% lower as Q4 GDP grew 0.6%, in line with expectations, reinforcing the RBA’s cautious stance on rate cuts. Weak risk sentiment and global trade concerns weighed on the market. The NZX 50 index fell 0.45% erasing early gains following RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr’s surprise resignation. Investors are now watching for signals on future monetary policy direction.
  • The NSE Nifty 50 Index rose 0.6%, breaking a 10-day losing streak, as technology and consumer discretionary stocks rebounded. Infosys led gains with a 1.9% rise, while the Nifty India Consumption Index climbed 0.9%. The recovery comes after heavy foreign outflows of $14 billion year-to-date amid concerns over slowing economic growth and corporate earnings.
  • Southeast Asian markets saw broad gains, with Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite Index surging 2.5% amid continued volatility, while Thailand’s SET Index rose 1.4% on improved risk sentiment. Vietnam’s VN Index edged up 0.1%, supported by S&P’s positive outlook on loan growth in the banking sector. Malaysia’s KLCI Index and Singapore’s Straits Times Index posted moderate gains of 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively, while the Philippines’ PSEi Index climbed 0.7% as investor sentiment improved.
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Asian equities broadly rose on Wednesday, buoyed by optimism over China’s economic policy direction and signs of potential tariff relief from the U.S. administration. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index climbed 0.7%, with major gains in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Chinese markets rallied as the government reaffirmed its 5% growth target and announced increased fiscal spending, raising hopes for more stimulus. India rebounded after a historic 10-day losing streak, while Japan and South Korea gained on optimism surrounding trade. Australia was a notable laggard, with its market declining.

  • Chinese stocks rose as Beijing maintained its 5% GDP growth target for 2025 and set its highest fiscal deficit in over three decades, signaling increased government support. Investors welcomed pledges to boost AI, 6G, and quantum computing, leading to strong gains in technology and semiconductor stocks. The Hang Seng Index jumped 1.7%, with the technology sector leading gains, while the CSI 300 index edged up 0.3%.
  • Japan’s Nikkei Index rose 0.7%, while the broader Topix Index gained 0.6%. The market benefited from improving global sentiment following the Trump administration’s indication of potential tariff rollbacks. The weaker yen supported exporters, while investors also rotated into stocks that had underperformed in recent sessions.
  • South Korea's KOSPI Index added 1%, driven by gains in semiconductors and heavy industries. SK hynix rose 1.34%, while steel giant POSCO Holdings gained 2.24%. However, defense stocks declined, with Hanwha Aerospace down 3.57% and Hanwha Ocean tumbling 7.17% after a prior-day surge. Investors responded positively to hopes that U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico might be reversed. The Korean won appreciated slightly against the dollar.
  • Taiwan’s Taiex Index jumped 1.5%, bolstered by strong performance in semiconductor stocks, particularly TSMC. The global AI boom and expectations of more tech-friendly policies from China lifted sentiment.
  • Australia's ASX 200 is 0.90% lower as Q4 GDP grew 0.6%, in line with expectations, reinforcing the RBA’s cautious stance on rate cuts. Weak risk sentiment and global trade concerns weighed on the market. The NZX 50 index fell 0.45% erasing early gains following RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr’s surprise resignation. Investors are now watching for signals on future monetary policy direction.
  • The NSE Nifty 50 Index rose 0.6%, breaking a 10-day losing streak, as technology and consumer discretionary stocks rebounded. Infosys led gains with a 1.9% rise, while the Nifty India Consumption Index climbed 0.9%. The recovery comes after heavy foreign outflows of $14 billion year-to-date amid concerns over slowing economic growth and corporate earnings.
  • Southeast Asian markets saw broad gains, with Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite Index surging 2.5% amid continued volatility, while Thailand’s SET Index rose 1.4% on improved risk sentiment. Vietnam’s VN Index edged up 0.1%, supported by S&P’s positive outlook on loan growth in the banking sector. Malaysia’s KLCI Index and Singapore’s Straits Times Index posted moderate gains of 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively, while the Philippines’ PSEi Index climbed 0.7% as investor sentiment improved.