Asian markets ended in red on Thursday as the arrest of a senior Huawei executive over potential violation of US sanctions on Iran raised more questions about the Trump administration's overall China strategy. The recent drop in US 10-year Treasury yields, Brexit-related uncertainty and caution ahead of a crucial meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries also weighed on markets. Japanese shares closed lower, with chip-related stocks coming under heavy selling pressure. Meanwhile, Tech stocks paced the declines on concerns that they might be hurt seriously in view of security concerns over the Chinese telecoms group Huawei. On economic front, Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda told parliament that economic risks from abroad could be severe and the central bank would respond appropriately as needed. Seoul stocks ended sharply lower on skepticism about the U.S.-China trade deal.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 2,605.18 | -44.63 | -1.71 |
Hang Seng | 26,156.38 | -663.30 | -2.54 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,115.49 | -17.63 | -0.29 |
KLSE Composite | 1,683.34 | -4.93 | -0.29 |
Nikkei 225 | 21,501.62 | -417.71 | -1.94 |
Straits Times | 3,115.52 | -40.40 | -1.30 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,068.69 | -32.62 | -1.58 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,684.72 | -232.02 | -2.40 |
