Asian equities moved higher today as investors balanced renewed trade tensions with growing conviction that U.S. interest rates are heading lower.
In Japan and Korea, equities pushed ahead on strength in technology and export-focused names. The Nikkei and Kospi recorded visible gains, drawing support from improved risk appetite across the region. In contrast, Chinese markets traded with restraint, the Hang Seng slipping slightly and the Shanghai Composite holding near flat, a reminder that sentiment remains sensitive to trade developments.
President Trump’s renewed threat of 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, linked to rare earth exports, limited enthusiasm and kept traders on guard. The rhetoric revived concerns over a new round of economic friction between the world’s two largest economies, softening momentum in otherwise supportive conditions.
At the same time, expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts provided a clear counterweight. Market pricing now reflects confidence that policy will ease further, lifting rate-sensitive sectors across Asia.
Fidelity Asian Values Plc (LON:FAS) provides shareholders with a differentiated equity exposure to Asian Markets. Asia is the world’s fastest-growing economic region and the trust looks to capitalise on this by finding good businesses, run by good people and buying them at a good price.
