Japan’s Nikkei 225 index surged by 1,114.45 points or 3.58% on April 8, closing at 32,249.42, as Asia-Pacific markets rebounded sharply after the previous session’s tariff-induced sell-off. The rally came despite continued uncertainty around U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff threats on China.
The broader Topix index also rose 5.53%, reflecting widespread investor optimism during early trading hours. The Nikkei’s opening gain of 5.34% marked one of the strongest starts of the year, as the index jumped from a previous close of 31,136.58.
Elsewhere in the region, South Korea’s Kospi gained 2.26%, and the Kosdaq index advanced 2.35%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.18% in early trade.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures indicated a weaker open at 19,653, below its previous close of 19,828.3, after the market recorded a massive 13% plunge on Monday — its steepest one-day fall since 1997.
The rebound across Asia comes amid investor focus on Chinese equities, as markets await Beijing’s response to Trump’s latest tariff ultimatum threatening an additional 50% duty unless retaliatory tariffs are rolled back.
