Japan's stock market indexes extended gains for the fifth consecutive week after nominal household spending and wages advanced in March. Inflation-adjusted spending declined for the second consecutive month amid rising food prices.
Japan and the U.S. remain far apart on trade barriers and tariff levels, and trade negotiations are likely to yield few agreements before the June deadline.
China stocks advanced for the sixth consecutive session after the PBOC and Chinese regulators announced technical measures to shore up liquidity and investor confidence. Auntea Jenny soared on the first day of trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Japan's service sector activities picked up pace at the start of the second quarter, driven by a surge in sales and an increase in new orders. U.S.-Japan trade talks stalled, but negotiators held out for a possible agreement before the June deadline.
The People's Bank of China and the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced additional measures to stabilize financial markets and support economic expansion. The U.S. and China are set to start their tariff-linked talks later in the week in Switzerland.
China stock market indexes advanced after investors returned from Labor Day holidays and U.S. legislators intensified their push against China's industrial espionage, human rights abuses, and international trade.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average registered a weekly rise of 3.4% and extended gains for the third consecutive week and erased losses induced by the U.S.-led tariff war.
Japan's retail sales increased for the 36th consecutive month in March, supported by rising wages at large corporations. Industrial output declined in March amid ongoing U.S. tariff threats and elevated trade tensions.
Factory activities indexes in China eased in April after customers front-loaded orders ahead of the U.S. tariffs in March. Investors remained on the sidelines as banks, insurance, and property developers reported mixed quarterly results.
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong traded in a tight range, and investors awaited earnings results from ICBC, HSBC, and China Construction Bank.
China stepped up its rhetoric to offer more support to companies and people affected by high U.S. tariffs, and policymakers and political leaders reiterated their commitment to achieving a 5% economic growth target.
Japan's indexes extended weekly gains to 3% after tech stocks powered a three-day rally. Tokyo area inflation accelerated after the ending of high school waiver fees and trimming of energy and electric utility subsidies.
