Asian equities traded sharply lower on Thursday as investors reacted to mounting concerns over reciprocal tariffs and the potential fallout on global growth and trade flows. Key indices in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong posted notable declines, reflecting risk-off sentiment across the region.
As of 09:42 IST, the performance of major indices was as follows:
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Nikkei 225 dropped 2.99% to 34,658.28, falling over 1,060 points
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Hang Seng index fell 1.64% to 22,822.32, down 380 points
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KOSPI slipped 0.90% to 2,483.40
Other regional indices like the Straits Times and Shanghai Composite also edged lower, though the losses were more moderate at 0.08% and 0.51%, respectively.
The sell-off comes amid investor anxiety around the Trump administration’s tariff escalation, which brokerages say could weigh heavily on discretionary spending and export-reliant sectors. Analysts also flagged the risk of slower economic momentum across Asia due to a potential dip in U.S. consumption.
Markets are now looking for clarity on whether retaliatory measures or trade negotiations may soften the blow in the coming weeks.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
