Asian equities closed mixed on Wednesday, weighed by weak regional factory data, cautious corporate guidance from US companies, and investor uncertainty surrounding global trade policy.
Market participants also await key US GDP and inflation data, along with earnings from major technology firms such as Apple and Amazon, for further direction.
The session coincided with President Donald Trump completing 100 days in office during his second term.
China and Hong Kong stocks mixed
Chinese shares fell as fresh data highlighted deepening concerns over growth.
The official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index slipped to 49.0 in April, marking the steepest contraction in 16 months.
The report, which reflected the impact of ongoing trade tensions with the US, added to concerns over domestic demand.
The Shanghai Composite Index edged down 0.23% to 3,279.03, while the CSI 300 Index eased 0.1%.
On the other hand, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index managed a 0.51% gain to close at 22,119.41.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that China could lose up to 10 million jobs rapidly if the US maintains current tariffs of 145%.
However, Reuters reported that Beijing had rolled back a 125% tariff on U.S. ethane imports, introduced earlier this month.
Markets in China will be closed for the Labour Day holiday for three days, from Thursday to Monday.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong markets will observe a closure on Thursday and Monday.
Japan’s Nikkei climbs ahead of BOJ decision
Japanese markets rose ahead of Thursday’s Bank of Japan policy announcement, supported by hopes of a trade breakthrough.
While factory output fell in the latest reading, retail sales showed a modest increase, albeit slightly below expectations.
The Nikkei 225 gained 0.57 % to 36,045.38—its first positive close for the year—while the Topix Index rose 0.63 % to 2,667.29.
Sony Group shares surged 7.1 % following reports that the company is considering spinning off its semiconductor business, with a decision expected later this year.
Other regional markets
In South Korea, the Kospi Index declined 0.34 % to 2,556.61, snapping a three-day rally.
Losses in the auto, battery, and chip sectors weighed on the benchmark, with Samsung Electronics shares falling 0.5 %.
Australian stocks extended their gains for a fifth consecutive session after data showed core inflation in the country had eased to a three-year low.
The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.69 % to 8,126.20, while the All Ordinaries Index added 0.64 % to 8,341, bolstered by strength in financial and consumer sectors.
Indian benchmark indices closed slightly lower after a volatile session on April 30.
The Sensex declined 46.14 points, or 0.06%, to end at 80,242.24, while the Nifty slipped 1.75 points, or 0.01%, to 24,334.20.
On the Nifty, notable gainers included Maruti Suzuki, HDFC Life, Bharti Airtel, SBI Life Insurance, and Power Grid Corporation.
Wall Street on Tuesday
US markets closed higher overnight as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced a new trade deal had been reached, though he did not disclose the partner country, saying its leadership would confirm it soon.
Secretary Bessent also indicated progress on negotiations with India, Japan, and South Korea.
Despite soft economic readings—including a wider trade deficit, lower job openings, and a five-year low in consumer confidence—investors remained optimistic.
The S&P 500 rose 0.6 %, its sixth straight gain, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.8 % and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.6 %.
The post Asian stock close mixed: Nikkei jumps 0.5%, CSI 300, Nifty end flat appeared first on Invezz