Market Update
Japan's Personal Spending Unexpectedly Advanced In November, Nikkei 225 Jumped 1.6%
Akira Ito
09 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Stock market indexes in Tokyo extended weekly gains amid hopes that trade tensions between Japan and China are likely to ease.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.6%, and the broader Topix advanced 0.9% after China clarified that the latest export control on dual-use goods to Japan would not apply for civilian purposes.
China's easing of the latest trade sanctions combined with the surprise increase in household spending in November contributed to the market advance on Friday.
Japan's Household Spending Advanced In November
Japan's household spending in November unexpectedly rose despite higher food prices, the Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications reported Friday.
Households with two or more people spent an average of 314,242 yen, or $2,000, and rose 2.9% after adjusting for inflation.
Real household spending increased 2.9% from a year ago, the first advance in two months and the largest increase since May, driven by winter purchases despite higher food prices.
Food spending, which accounts for 30% of household expenditure, inched higher 0.9%; furniture and home appliance spending advanced 10.6%; transportation and communications soared 20.4%; and utility outlays eased 1.2%.
Economists closely watch household spending data, as private consumption accounts for more than half of Japan's gross domestic product.
Household income with at least two individuals inched lower 2.2% after adjusting for inflation to 519,304 yen, the ministry added.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 1.6% to 51,936.21, and the broader Topix Index gained 0.9% to 3,514.41.
For the week, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 0.7%, and the Topix Index increased 1.4%.
Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. soared 10.6% to ¥62,750.0 after the company raised its full-year earnings outlook.
Revenue in the quarter ending in November rose 14.8% to 1.03 trillion yen, profit attributable to shareholders increased 11.7% to 147.4 billion yen, and diluted earnings per share jumped to 479.89 from 429.51 a year ago.
Japan's Personal Spending Unexpectedly Advanced In November, Nikkei 225 Jumped 1.6%
Akira Ito
09 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Stock market indexes in Tokyo extended weekly gains amid hopes that trade tensions between Japan and China are likely to ease.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.6%, and the broader Topix advanced 0.9% after China clarified that the latest export control on dual-use goods to Japan would not apply for civilian purposes.
China's easing of the latest trade sanctions combined with the surprise increase in household spending in November contributed to the market advance on Friday.
Japan's Household Spending Advanced In November
Japan's household spending in November unexpectedly rose despite higher food prices, the Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications reported Friday.
Households with two or more people spent an average of 314,242 yen, or $2,000, and rose 2.9% after adjusting for inflation.
Real household spending increased 2.9% from a year ago, the first advance in two months and the largest increase since May, driven by winter purchases despite higher food prices.
Food spending, which accounts for 30% of household expenditure, inched higher 0.9%; furniture and home appliance spending advanced 10.6%; transportation and communications soared 20.4%; and utility outlays eased 1.2%.
Economists closely watch household spending data, as private consumption accounts for more than half of Japan's gross domestic product.
Household income with at least two individuals inched lower 2.2% after adjusting for inflation to 519,304 yen, the ministry added.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 1.6% to 51,936.21, and the broader Topix Index gained 0.9% to 3,514.41.
For the week, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 0.7%, and the Topix Index increased 1.4%.
Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. soared 10.6% to ¥62,750.0 after the company raised its full-year earnings outlook.
Revenue in the quarter ending in November rose 14.8% to 1.03 trillion yen, profit attributable to shareholders increased 11.7% to 147.4 billion yen, and diluted earnings per share jumped to 479.89 from 429.51 a year ago.
China's Inflation Reports Confirmed Weak Demand, Three New Issues List In Hong Kong
Li Chen
09 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
China's markets lacked direction after December's inflation reading confirmed an ongoing economic slowdown.
The Hang Seng Index and the CSI 300 Index hovered near the flatline amid macroeconomic worries.
China's Inflation Data Confirmed Weak Domestic Demand
Consumer price inflation in December rose 0.8% from a year ago, accelerating from 0.7% in November, and rose at the fastest pace since February 2023.
Prices rose for the third consecutive month, driven by an acceleration in food price inflation to 1.1% from 0.2% in the previous month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, held at an annual pace of 1.2% and hovered at a 20-month high.
Consumer price inflation for 2025 was flat, below the official target of around 2%.
Producer price inflation, which measures wholesale prices, declined 1.9% from a year ago in December, according to a separate report released by the statistical agency.
Wholesale prices contracted for the 39th month in a row, as several industries struggle with persistent demand weakness and overcapacity.
For the full year of 2025, producer price inflation shrank 2.6%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.02% to 26,146.01, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 0.1% to 4,742.44.
For the week, the Hang Seng Index decreased 0.8%, and the CSI 300 Index gained 1.7%.
Three new issues began trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Friday, as foreign investors pile into initial public offerings.
MiniMax Group soared 76% to HK $291.00, and the artificial intelligence-focused company priced its offering at HK $165.0 per share.
The AI foundation model company raised HK $4.8 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 29.2 million shares.
Yunnan Jinxun Resources jumped 25% to HK $36.80, and the copper mining company priced its offering at HK $30.0 per share.
The manufacturer of copper cathodes with mining operations in Zambia and DR Congo raised gross proceeds of HK $1.1 billion through the sale of 36.8 million shares.
Suzhou Ribo Life Science advanced 27% to HK $74.40, and the company priced its offering at HK $57.97 per share.
The thrombotic disease-focused company raised HK $1.2 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 31.6 million shares.
China's Inflation Reports Confirmed Weak Demand, Three New Issues List In Hong Kong
Li Chen
09 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
China's markets lacked direction after December's inflation reading confirmed an ongoing economic slowdown.
The Hang Seng Index and the CSI 300 Index hovered near the flatline amid macroeconomic worries.
China's Inflation Data Confirmed Weak Domestic Demand
Consumer price inflation in December rose 0.8% from a year ago, accelerating from 0.7% in November, and rose at the fastest pace since February 2023.
Prices rose for the third consecutive month, driven by an acceleration in food price inflation to 1.1% from 0.2% in the previous month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, held at an annual pace of 1.2% and hovered at a 20-month high.
Consumer price inflation for 2025 was flat, below the official target of around 2%.
Producer price inflation, which measures wholesale prices, declined 1.9% from a year ago in December, according to a separate report released by the statistical agency.
Wholesale prices contracted for the 39th month in a row, as several industries struggle with persistent demand weakness and overcapacity.
For the full year of 2025, producer price inflation shrank 2.6%.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.02% to 26,146.01, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 0.1% to 4,742.44.
For the week, the Hang Seng Index decreased 0.8%, and the CSI 300 Index gained 1.7%.
Three new issues began trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Friday, as foreign investors pile into initial public offerings.
MiniMax Group soared 76% to HK $291.00, and the artificial intelligence-focused company priced its offering at HK $165.0 per share.
The AI foundation model company raised HK $4.8 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 29.2 million shares.
Yunnan Jinxun Resources jumped 25% to HK $36.80, and the copper mining company priced its offering at HK $30.0 per share.
The manufacturer of copper cathodes with mining operations in Zambia and DR Congo raised gross proceeds of HK $1.1 billion through the sale of 36.8 million shares.
Suzhou Ribo Life Science advanced 27% to HK $74.40, and the company priced its offering at HK $57.97 per share.
The thrombotic disease-focused company raised HK $1.2 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 31.6 million shares.
U.S. Indexes Hovered Near Record High Amid Earnings Optimism
Barry Adams
08 Jan, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street flatlined amid a lack of immediate catalysts and ahead of the start of the earnings season next week.
The S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite were nearly unchanged in early trading Thursday, and the S&P 500 index recorded a new intraday high in the previous session.
Alphabet Inc. advanced more than 2% in Wednesday's trading, and the parent company of search engine Google's market cap surpassed Apple's market capitalization for the first time since 2019.
On the economic front, investors are awaiting the release of nonfarm payrolls data on Friday, and December's payrolls are expected to rise 45,000.
However, after accounting for a wider survey response, September and November payrolls are likely to be trimmed.
U.S. Movers
Valero Energy advanced 2.2% to $183.86, and Marathon Petroleum added 1.2% to $172.51 after U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that the U.S. will control Venezuela's oil "indefinitely."
Moreover, the U.S. president claimed that Venezuela plans to purchase U.S. pharmaceuticals, grains, and power transmission equipment in return for selling crude oil to the U.S.
JPMorgan Chase, Bank of New York, and Delta Airlines are set to kick off unofficial earnings season next Tuesday.
U.S. Indexes Hovered Near Record High Amid Earnings Optimism
Barry Adams
08 Jan, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street flatlined amid a lack of immediate catalysts and ahead of the start of the earnings season next week.
The S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite were nearly unchanged in early trading Thursday, and the S&P 500 index recorded a new intraday high in the previous session.
Alphabet Inc. advanced more than 2% in Wednesday's trading, and the parent company of search engine Google's market cap surpassed Apple's market capitalization for the first time since 2019.
On the economic front, investors are awaiting the release of nonfarm payrolls data on Friday, and December's payrolls are expected to rise 45,000.
However, after accounting for a wider survey response, September and November payrolls are likely to be trimmed.
U.S. Movers
Valero Energy advanced 2.2% to $183.86, and Marathon Petroleum added 1.2% to $172.51 after U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that the U.S. will control Venezuela's oil "indefinitely."
Moreover, the U.S. president claimed that Venezuela plans to purchase U.S. pharmaceuticals, grains, and power transmission equipment in return for selling crude oil to the U.S.
JPMorgan Chase, Bank of New York, and Delta Airlines are set to kick off unofficial earnings season next Tuesday.
Japan's Real Wages Declined for Eleventh Consecutive Month In November
Akira Ito
08 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's stock market indexes declined for the second week in a row as investors booked profit in high-flying technology and financial stocks.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.1%, and the broader Topix Index fell 0.5% amid rising macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Benchmark indexes erased gains recorded earlier in the week, as the investor enthusiasm began to fade after China imposed tighter restrictions on military-use goods and technology shipments to Japan.
Japan's Real Wages Extended 11-Month Decline to November
Japan's real wages dropped in November, marking the fall for the 11th month in a row, according to the latest report released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Nominal wages rose 0.5% from a year ago to 310,202 yen, or $1,980, slower than an increase of 2.5% in the previous month, driven by a sharp decrease of 17% in special bonus payments.
Salaried employees receive bonuses in June, July, November, and December when winter and summer bonuses are paid.
The ministry stated that the preliminary November data often understates wages, as many winter bonuses are still not accounted for.
Meanwhile, inflation-adjusted wages decreased 2.8% from a year ago, the largest contraction since January 2025, after consumer prices rose 3.3% in November.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.1% to 51,311.22, and the broader Topix Index declined 0.5% to 3,492.96.
Defense stocks were in focus amid rising trade tensions between Japan and China, and the world's second-largest economy is likely to place additional tighter export controls, including shipments of rare earth materials.
IHI Corp. jumped 1.4% to ¥3,163.0, Kawasaki Heavy Industries gained 3.3% to ¥12,005.0, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries advanced 2.6% to ¥4,269.0.
Semiconductor equipment makers traded down for the second consecutive session after investors avoided taking additional exposure to the sector.
Tokyo Electron decreased 3.3% to ¥36,900.0, Advantest Corp. declined 1.8% to ¥20,245.0, and Softbank Group dropped 6.7% to ¥4,337.0.
Japan's Real Wages Declined for Eleventh Consecutive Month In November
Akira Ito
08 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's stock market indexes declined for the second week in a row as investors booked profit in high-flying technology and financial stocks.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.1%, and the broader Topix Index fell 0.5% amid rising macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Benchmark indexes erased gains recorded earlier in the week, as the investor enthusiasm began to fade after China imposed tighter restrictions on military-use goods and technology shipments to Japan.
Japan's Real Wages Extended 11-Month Decline to November
Japan's real wages dropped in November, marking the fall for the 11th month in a row, according to the latest report released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Nominal wages rose 0.5% from a year ago to 310,202 yen, or $1,980, slower than an increase of 2.5% in the previous month, driven by a sharp decrease of 17% in special bonus payments.
Salaried employees receive bonuses in June, July, November, and December when winter and summer bonuses are paid.
The ministry stated that the preliminary November data often understates wages, as many winter bonuses are still not accounted for.
Meanwhile, inflation-adjusted wages decreased 2.8% from a year ago, the largest contraction since January 2025, after consumer prices rose 3.3% in November.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1.1% to 51,311.22, and the broader Topix Index declined 0.5% to 3,492.96.
Defense stocks were in focus amid rising trade tensions between Japan and China, and the world's second-largest economy is likely to place additional tighter export controls, including shipments of rare earth materials.
IHI Corp. jumped 1.4% to ¥3,163.0, Kawasaki Heavy Industries gained 3.3% to ¥12,005.0, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries advanced 2.6% to ¥4,269.0.
Semiconductor equipment makers traded down for the second consecutive session after investors avoided taking additional exposure to the sector.
Tokyo Electron decreased 3.3% to ¥36,900.0, Advantest Corp. declined 1.8% to ¥20,245.0, and Softbank Group dropped 6.7% to ¥4,337.0.
Zhipu AI Dominated List of Three New Issues In Hong Kong
Li Chen
08 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong turned lower as investors awaited the release of key macroeconomic data.
The Hang Seng Index fell 1.3%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index eased 0.5% amid worries about global implications of rising geopolitical tensions.
China's December consumer price inflation is likely to stay below 2%, and producer prices are expected to fall for the 39th consecutive month in the final month of 2025.
Moreover, the lack of immediate catalysts sapped market sentiment in trading in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Crude oil edged lower amid worries that slowing global economic growth compounded by rising energy supplies is likely to keep prices under pressure in the first quarter.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.3% to 26,124.06, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 0.5% to 4,753.96.
Technology and artificial intelligence-linked stocks traded down as the market rally continued to lose steam.
Lenovo Group Ltd. decreased 5.5% to HK $8.80, SMIC increased 2.2% to HK $76.35, Alibaba Group Holding fell 1.5% to HK $143.70, and Tencent Holdings dropped 1.7% to HK $614.0.
Three new issues started trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and foreign investors continued to participate in China-based technology public offerings.
The maker of medical surgery robots, Shenzhen Edge Medical, priced its offering at HK $43.24 per share, and the company's stock shot up 29% to HK $55.83.
The robotics company raised HK $1.1 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 27.72 million shares.
Shanghai Iluvatar CoreX Semiconductor increased 10% to HK $160.75, and the graphics processor maker priced its initial public offering at HK $144.60 per share.
The semiconductor company raised HK $3.7 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 25.4 million shares.
The Knowledge Atlas Technology Company gained 7% to HK $129.70, and the AI developer of large language models priced its initial public offering at HK $116.20 per share.
The AI company raised HK $4.3 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 37.4 million shares.
The parent company of Zhipu AI, marketed as z.ai, received strong interest from investors, and the public offering was oversubscribed by 1,159 times by retail investors and 14 times by institutional investors.
Zhipu AI Dominated List of Three New Issues In Hong Kong
Li Chen
08 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong turned lower as investors awaited the release of key macroeconomic data.
The Hang Seng Index fell 1.3%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index eased 0.5% amid worries about global implications of rising geopolitical tensions.
China's December consumer price inflation is likely to stay below 2%, and producer prices are expected to fall for the 39th consecutive month in the final month of 2025.
Moreover, the lack of immediate catalysts sapped market sentiment in trading in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Crude oil edged lower amid worries that slowing global economic growth compounded by rising energy supplies is likely to keep prices under pressure in the first quarter.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.3% to 26,124.06, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index fell 0.5% to 4,753.96.
Technology and artificial intelligence-linked stocks traded down as the market rally continued to lose steam.
Lenovo Group Ltd. decreased 5.5% to HK $8.80, SMIC increased 2.2% to HK $76.35, Alibaba Group Holding fell 1.5% to HK $143.70, and Tencent Holdings dropped 1.7% to HK $614.0.
Three new issues started trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and foreign investors continued to participate in China-based technology public offerings.
The maker of medical surgery robots, Shenzhen Edge Medical, priced its offering at HK $43.24 per share, and the company's stock shot up 29% to HK $55.83.
The robotics company raised HK $1.1 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 27.72 million shares.
Shanghai Iluvatar CoreX Semiconductor increased 10% to HK $160.75, and the graphics processor maker priced its initial public offering at HK $144.60 per share.
The semiconductor company raised HK $3.7 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 25.4 million shares.
The Knowledge Atlas Technology Company gained 7% to HK $129.70, and the AI developer of large language models priced its initial public offering at HK $116.20 per share.
The AI company raised HK $4.3 billion in gross proceeds through the sale of 37.4 million shares.
The parent company of Zhipu AI, marketed as z.ai, received strong interest from investors, and the public offering was oversubscribed by 1,159 times by retail investors and 14 times by institutional investors.
U.S. Market Rally Broadened Ahead of Nonfarm Payrolls Data Release
Barry Adams
07 Jan, 2026
New York City
Wall Street indexes were flat Wednesday after the S&P 500 index and the Tollbooth Strategy Index hit fresh records in the previous session.
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.3%, after they logged 0.6% and 0.7% in the previous session, respectively.
Investors shrugged off the U.S. attack on Venezuela amid expectations that global crude oil supplies are not likely to be disrupted in the immediate future.
The market rally appears to broaden beyond the Magnificent 7 stocks, and cyclical stocks participated in the latest advance.
Later in the week, the durable goods orders and the nonfarm payrolls report are likely to garner investor attention.
The U.S. economy is likely to add 45,000 net new jobs in December, but September and November data are likely to be downwardly revised.
U.S. Movers
Data storage companies led the market advance on Tuesday after comments from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
Western Digital soared 17% to $219.38, Seagate Technology jumped 14% to $330.42, and SanDisk Corp. soared 27.5% to $349.63.
Nvidia Corp. gained 0.6% to $188.37 after the company's CEO, Jensen Huang, said that its H200 AI chips are seeing "very high" demand from Chinese customers.
U.S. Market Rally Broadened Ahead of Nonfarm Payrolls Data Release
Barry Adams
07 Jan, 2026
New York City
Wall Street indexes were flat Wednesday after the S&P 500 index and the Tollbooth Strategy Index hit fresh records in the previous session.
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.3%, after they logged 0.6% and 0.7% in the previous session, respectively.
Investors shrugged off the U.S. attack on Venezuela amid expectations that global crude oil supplies are not likely to be disrupted in the immediate future.
The market rally appears to broaden beyond the Magnificent 7 stocks, and cyclical stocks participated in the latest advance.
Later in the week, the durable goods orders and the nonfarm payrolls report are likely to garner investor attention.
The U.S. economy is likely to add 45,000 net new jobs in December, but September and November data are likely to be downwardly revised.
U.S. Movers
Data storage companies led the market advance on Tuesday after comments from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
Western Digital soared 17% to $219.38, Seagate Technology jumped 14% to $330.42, and SanDisk Corp. soared 27.5% to $349.63.
Nvidia Corp. gained 0.6% to $188.37 after the company's CEO, Jensen Huang, said that its H200 AI chips are seeing "very high" demand from Chinese customers.
China Imposed Export Controls On Military-Use Goods to Japan
Akira Ito
07 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes declined and halted a two-day advance after investors locked in profit in select sectors.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1%, and the broader Topix Index fell 0.7% amid rising trade tensions between Japan and China.
China's commerce ministry said exports of goods with a potential military use to Japan would face immediate sanctions.
The latest expanded ban includes sensors, electronics, and equipment and technologies used in aerospace and shipbuilding.
The move is likely to be followed up by additional sanctions restricting the sale of rare earth-related products in the near future, according to a report in the state-controlled China Daily.
The latest trade tension episode between two neighboring countries clouded the recent market rally that has been carried over from the last year.
Benchmark indexes trimmed this year's advance to 0.7% from as high as 2%, after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments regarding Taiwan invited fresh ire from China.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 1% to 52,003.70, and the broader Topix Index declined 0.7% to 3,514.08.
Defense stocks led the decliners in Tokyo trading as investors turned cautious amid rising trade tensions between Japan and China, and the U.S. president reiterated his intentions to invade Greenland.
IHI Corp. fell 1.2% to ¥3,078.0, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries decreased 3.3% to ¥4,121.0, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries dropped 3.7% to ¥11,435.0.
Tokyo Electron gained 1.1% to ¥37,790.0, Advantest Corp. decreased 5% to ¥20,460.0, and Softbank Group Corp. eased 1.7% to ¥4,638.0.
China Imposed Export Controls On Military-Use Goods to Japan
Akira Ito
07 Jan, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's indexes declined and halted a two-day advance after investors locked in profit in select sectors.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 1%, and the broader Topix Index fell 0.7% amid rising trade tensions between Japan and China.
China's commerce ministry said exports of goods with a potential military use to Japan would face immediate sanctions.
The latest expanded ban includes sensors, electronics, and equipment and technologies used in aerospace and shipbuilding.
The move is likely to be followed up by additional sanctions restricting the sale of rare earth-related products in the near future, according to a report in the state-controlled China Daily.
The latest trade tension episode between two neighboring countries clouded the recent market rally that has been carried over from the last year.
Benchmark indexes trimmed this year's advance to 0.7% from as high as 2%, after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments regarding Taiwan invited fresh ire from China.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 1% to 52,003.70, and the broader Topix Index declined 0.7% to 3,514.08.
Defense stocks led the decliners in Tokyo trading as investors turned cautious amid rising trade tensions between Japan and China, and the U.S. president reiterated his intentions to invade Greenland.
IHI Corp. fell 1.2% to ¥3,078.0, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries decreased 3.3% to ¥4,121.0, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries dropped 3.7% to ¥11,435.0.
Tokyo Electron gained 1.1% to ¥37,790.0, Advantest Corp. decreased 5% to ¥20,460.0, and Softbank Group Corp. eased 1.7% to ¥4,638.0.
China-Japan Trade Tension Flare-Up Halts Market Rally
Li Chen
07 Jan, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China and Hong Kong faced headwinds after tensions flared between Japan and China.
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index declined a fraction, and China imposed additional trade restrictions on shipments to Japan.
China's commerce ministry said exports of goods with a potential military use to Japan would face immediate sanctions.
The move is likely to be followed up by additional sanctions restricting the sale of rare earth-related products in the near future.
The latest trade tension episode between two neighboring countries clouded the recent market rally that has been carried over from the last year.
China's technology stocks extended 2025's gains amid a shift in allocation by global fund managers chasing more attractive valuations.
Moreover, investors are hoping that China's policymakers could provide additional support for the moribund property market, as prices continue to weaken in all major cities apart from Beijing and Shanghai.
Benchmark indexes in Tokyo edged lower 0.7%, but markets in Seoul, Sydney, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Mumbai traded in a tight range.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1% to 26,431.05, and the mainland-focused CS 300 index fell 0.02% to 4,789.05 amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Alibaba Group decreased 4.4% to HK $144.60, Tencent Holdings decreased 2% to HK $620.0, and Baidu Inc. fell 4.2% to HK $146.40.
Zijin Mining Group increased 1.4% to HK $38.86, Aluminum Corporation of China gained 3.2% to HK $13.68, and China Nonferrous Mining Corp. added 1.7% to HK $15.60.