Asian markets traded mostly lower on Friday, October 17, 2025, as concerns over escalating trade tensions between the United States and China weighed on investor sentiment.
South Korea’s Kospi index was the only major gainer, rising 0.11% to 3,752.36, supported by improving labor market data. According to Statistics Korea, the country’s unemployment rate stood at 2.5% in September, signaling a resilient job market.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 1.34% to 25,540.79, dragged down by technology and property shares. Japan’s Nikkei 225 also fell 0.93% to 47,827.31, extending losses for a third consecutive session as a stronger yen pressured export-oriented sectors.
In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite slipped 0.70%, while the Shenzhen Composite dropped 1.57%, reflecting continued weakness in industrial activity and investor caution following recent macroeconomic data.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.73% to 9,002, tracking the regional selloff, while Malaysia and Taiwan markets were also lower.
The US dollar traded 0.19% lower against the yen, hovering near 150.13, as traders awaited key comments from Federal Reserve officials on the outlook for interest rate cuts.
