Asia-Pacific markets mostly fell on Friday as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats kept investors on edge.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 collapsed 679.64 points, or 1.8%, to 37,120.33, its lowest level in two weeks.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index lost 152.2 points, or 0.7%, to 23,426,60.
Australian stocks pointed a titch higher as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national election on May 3, kicking off a five-week campaign.
Investors will continue eyeing shares of automakers after they declined on Thursday following Trump’s announcement of 25% tariffs on “all
cars that are not made in the United States.”
The president’s comments this week regarding the upcoming April 2 tariffs, however, have eased some concerns for investors. Recently, Trump mentioned that the tariffs would be “very lenient” and expressed a willingness to lower tariffs on China to facilitate a deal with ByteDance’s TikTok.
On Thursday, he also used tariffs as a bargaining tool, warning that he could impose “far larger” duties on the European Union and Canada, if they join forces to oppose the levies.
In other markets
The CSI 300 in mainland China slid 17.24 points, or 0.4% to 3,915.17
In Taiwan, the Taiex index shed 348.87 points, or 1.6%, to 21,602.89
In Singapore, the Straits Times index backpedaled 9.14 points, or 0.2%, to 3,972.43
In Korea, the Kospi skidded 49.17 points, or 1.9%, to 2,557.98
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 dropped 18.34 points, or 0.2%, to 12,287.46
In Australia, the ASX 200 eked higher 12.47 points, or 0.2%, to 7,982,01.