Japan's GDP contracted in the first quarter after the international trade deficit overwhelmed the stable consumer and government spending. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up a fraction after a week of volatile trading.
China and Hong Kong market indexes trimmed weekly advances after Alibaba Group's quarterly results fell short of market expectations. Three companies listed their stocks in China and Hong Kong, raising a total of $265 million.
A growing list of leading Japanese corporations announce a negative impact from Trump tariffs, and the auto industry is expected to face about 1.5 trillion yen, or $10.3 billion, in tariff-related hits in the current fiscal year.
Japan's producer price inflation in April was positive for the 35th consecutive month. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average and the Topix erased early April losses after the U.S. launched a tariff war.
China and Hong Kong stock market indexes rebounded after JD.com reported a sharp rise in revenue and earnings in the first quarter. China's e-commerce companies are accelerating their push to attract export-driven companies to sell in the domestic market.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average and Topix rebounded, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street after the U.S. and China halted the implementation of the previously announced sky-high tariffs.
China and Hong Kong stock market indexes turned lower amid fading hopes of additional stimulus measures and ongoing uncertainty about the U.S. trade agreement.
Japan's current account surplus rose to a record high for the second consecutive financial year 2024, driven by a rise in primary income and international trade surplus.
China and Hong Kong stock market indexes advanced after the U.S. and China trade talks negotiators sent positive signals in their public statements. However, the two sides are poles apart in their expectations, and an agreement is less likely in the imminent future.
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.
