Asian markets ended mixed on Friday as Chinese technology stocks surged, despite declines in other regional equities. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell nearly 0.72%, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slid just 0.11%. However, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.91% to a two-year high.
Chinese tech stocks, led by Xiaomi and Alibaba, jumped after AI models sparked renewed interest in the sector. The Shanghai Composite Index also gained 1.01%, driven by tech-heavyweights.
In contrast, investors are bracing for US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have raised concerns of a global trade war. However, the administration has imposed new 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting China to retaliate with tariffs on US coal and liquefied natural gas products.
Global oil prices rose, with benchmark US crude adding 37 cents to $70.98 a barrel. Meanwhile, the US dollar edged up against the Japanese yen, reaching 151.85 yen.
Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/stock-market-today-asian-shares-041711248.html