Asian Markets Mixed Amid Global Doubts Over US Policies
Asian stocks traded in mixed territory as global investors expressed growing scepticism toward US investments, fuelled by concerns over President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade policies.
Trading across the region was cautious. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 dipped 0.3% to close at 34,174.38, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was flat, edging up less than 0.1% to 7,820.20. South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.2% to 2,493.19, and China’s Shanghai Composite gained 0.3% to 3,301.59. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slipped marginally, down less than 0.1% to 21,387.51.
The subdued performance in Asia followed a turbulent session on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 plunged 2.4%, pushing the index 16% below its record high from just two months ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 971 points, or 2.5%, while heavy losses in major tech names like Tesla and Nvidia dragged the Nasdaq Composite down 2.6%.
Adding to the unease, US government bonds and the dollar also weakened, with prices retreating across multiple asset classes. The decline was particularly concerning given that Treasurys and the dollar typically strengthen during times of market uncertainty.
This time, however, it is Washington’s own policies that are driving investor anxiety—casting doubt on the longstanding reputation of US assets as global safe havens.
