ASIA STOCKS: Asian Equities Edge Higher Following Trump Comments

Asian equities climbed to a one-month high, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index gaining 0.8%, driven by optimism following U.S. President Donald Trump's softened stance on tariffs against China. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index led gains, rising 2.2%, while the CSI 300 Index added 1%. Technology stocks like Tencent and Alibaba were top contributors. Japan's Topix and Nikkei saw choppy trade now trading just 0.10% higher for the session after the BoJ raised its key policy rate by 25bps, the largest hike in 18 years, strengthening the yen and pressuring exporters.

• South Korea’s Kospi Index rose 0.8%, buoyed by foreign fund inflows into tech stocks, while Australia’s ASX 200 edged up 0.4%. In contrast, New Zealand’s NZX 50 fell 0.2%, and several Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia and the Philippines, declined.
• Investors remain cautious amid mixed signals from central bank policies and economic uncertainties, with traders awaiting further clarity from BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda’s upcoming comments.
• US equity futures are trading slightly lower on the day, with NASDAQ futures down 0.15%, while S%P 500 futures are -0.10%.
• Next week will be heavily interrupted by Chinese New years with many markets closing throughout the week.