Asian stocks were mixed on Wednesday after a volatile session on Wall Street, as the Trump administration continued its push for more favorable trade agreements worldwide.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged up 0.2% to 39,784.25, and South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.6% to 3,133.58, with both Tokyo and Seoul seeking to finalize trade deals with the U.S. ahead of higher tariffs set to take effect on August 1.
“Sector-specific exemptions remain the most difficult area,” noted Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management, who added that Japan and South Korea are likely aiming to shield their auto and steel industries. “But Washington is unlikely to offer much flexibility,” he cautioned.
Chinese markets showed a mixed picture: Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 0.9% to 23,932.43, while the Shanghai Composite gained 0.4% to 3,510.14.
Elsewhere, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.6% to 8,537.60, and India’s BSE Sensex inched up 0.1% to 83,728.61.
