Asian markets trade mostly lower in early deals on Wednesday

19 Feb 2025 Evaluate
Asian markets traded mostly lower in early deals on Wednesday, saddled by the risk aversion amidst concerns about a potential global trade war and lingering geopolitical tensions followed by fresh threat from US President Donald Trump to impose 25% tariffs on automobile, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical imports. Technical correction after previous sessional rally also weighed on local indices. Japan’s Nikkei declined after disappointing economic data. Japan’s core machinery orders unexpectedly dropped in December, and the country reported larger-than-expected trade deficit for January.

Nikkei 225 down by 142.09 points or 0.36% to 39,128.31, Hang Seng dipped by 65.19 points or 0.28% to 22,911.62, Taiwan Weighted narrowed by 50.50 points or 0.21% to 23,615.61, Jakarta Composite curtailed by 31.39 points or 0.46% to 6,842.16, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI decreased by 4.83 points or 0.30% to 1,580.01.

On the flip side, Straits Times rose by 4.18 points or 0.11% to 3,929.74, Shanghai Composite lifted by 17.99 points or 0.54% to 3,342.48, and KOSPI Index increased by 46.78 points or 1.78% to 2,673.59.

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