Asian markets end higher on Wednesday

23 Jul 2025 Evaluate
Asian markets ended higher on Wednesday as latest trade deal announcements spurred expectations of further trade agreements as the August 1 deadline approaches. The largest ever US trade deal with Japan features a 15% tariff on Japanese exports and includes a commitment from Tokyo to invest $550 billion in the United States and open its markets for American vehicles, rice, and other agricultural goods. Trump claimed that the US would receive 90% of profits from the agreement and that the pact could generate hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Trump said the United States and the Philippines have finalized a new trade agreement with zero tariffs on US goods, while Filipino exports to the US will face a 19% tariff. Investors also cheered after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell need not resign before his term ends in May but he has a chance to cement his legacy by reforming the Fed's non-monetary functions. Seoul shares rose, led by technology shares ahead of earnings results from the so-called Magnificent Seven companies. But investors were cautious ahead of the last-minute talks with the United States on its sweeping tariff scheme. Chinese shares ended flat after reports that the United States and China will meet in Stockholm next week to discuss extending their tariff truce. 

Asian Indices

Last Trade            

Change in Points

Change in %      

Shanghai Composite

3,582.30

0.44

0.01

Hang Seng

25,538.07

408.04

1.60

Jakarta Composite

7,469.23

124.49

1.67

KLSE Composite

1,529.79

10.39

0.68

Nikkei 225

41,171.32

1,396.40

3.39

Straits Times

4,231.28

23.02

0.54

KOSPI Composite

3,183.77

13.83

0.43

Taiwan Weighted

23,318.67

330.75

1.42

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