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Asian stocks started 2025 on a weak note, with most markets trading flat-to-lower on Monday as investors grew cautious ahead of key economic data this week. Concerns over slower U.S. interest rate cuts following hawkish comments from the Federal Reserve weighed on sentiment. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indexes dropped 1.3% and 0.9%, respectively, in catch-up trade after the holidays, with auto stocks leading losses. Nippon Steel fell over 2% after a U.S. Steel acquisition was blocked by President Biden. Chinese markets remained steady, with focus on inflation data amid expectations of more government stimulus in 2025 to address deflation and a property slump. South Korea’s KOSPI surged 1.6% as investors saw buying opportunities after political turmoil last month. Taiwan’s Foxconn gained 2% on record Q4 revenues driven by AI demand, while India’s Nifty 50 futures hinted at a modest recovery after last week’s losses.

Most Asian stock markets were up on Friday, driven by strong gains in South Korean shares, while Chinese stocks recovered from early losses due to expectations of new stimulus measures. Japan’s markets were closed for the holidays, leading to lower trading volumes. South Korea’s KOSPI index rose nearly 2%, ending a five-day losing streak, after the government announced policies to attract foreign investment and boost domestic demand amid political and economic challenges. These efforts came as South Korea faces political instability, including the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Other regional markets, like the Philippines, Singapore, and Australia, also saw gains, encouraged by South Korea’s recovery. In China, stocks were mixed, but hopes of additional stimulus from the government supported the market. The People’s Bank of China hinted at interest rate cuts in 2025 to further stimulate the economy, following weaker-than-expected manufacturing data for December.

Asian currencies traded mostly flat or weaker on Thursday, influenced by concerns over slower U.S. rate cuts in 2025, which boosted the dollar. The Chinese yuan dropped 0.3% to its lowest level in over a year as disappointing manufacturing PMI data raised worries about China’s slowing recovery despite recent stimulus. Regional trading remained muted due to New Year holidays, with major markets like Japan closed. The dollar stayed strong, driven by expectations of cautious Federal Reserve policies and potential protectionist moves by the U.S. under President Trump. The Japanese yen struggled after a dovish 2025 outlook from the Bank of Japan, while the South Korean won, a weak performer in 2024, saw slight recovery despite ongoing political turmoil. Meanwhile, the Singapore dollar rose 0.2% on better-than-expected GDP growth, and the Australian dollar recovered 0.5% from lows. The Indian rupee fell 0.3% after hitting a record low of 86 per dollar.

Asian stocks remained subdued on Wednesday, following a decline on Wall Street due to low trading volumes as the year draws to a close. Many markets, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, were closed for the day, while others like Hong Kong and Australia had shorter sessions. Chinese manufacturing data for December showed continued growth for the third month, supported by recent stimulus measures, but the slower-than-expected expansion raised concerns about the country’s economic recovery amidst its ongoing property crisis. Chinese markets saw slight losses, while Hong Kong gained 0.5%. Investors are waiting for more details on Beijing’s fiscal policy. Australia’s ASX 200 dropped 0.8%, reflecting concerns over China’s economic performance. India’s Nifty 50 Futures fell 0.1%, and Malaysia’s KLCI saw a marginal dip. Meanwhile, political uncertainty continues in South Korea, as President Yoon Suk Yeol faces controversy following his impeachment. South Korean markets remained closed today.

Asian stocks remained quiet on Tuesday, following Wall Street’s drop amid low year-end trading volumes. Several markets, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, were closed, while others like Hong Kong and Australia operated shorter sessions. Chinese manufacturing data showed growth for a third month in December, supported by recent stimulus measures, but the slower-than-expected expansion raised concerns about the economy’s health amid a property crisis. Chinese markets fell slightly, while Hong Kong gained 0.7%. Investors await details on Beijing’s upcoming fiscal measures. Australia’s ASX 200 dropped 0.9%, reflecting concerns about China’s economic outlook. India’s Nifty 50 Futures dipped 0.2%, and Malaysia’s KLCI edged lower. Meanwhile, South Korea faces political turmoil, with President Yoon Suk Yeol arrested after his impeachment over imposing martial law. Markets in South Korea remained closed.

Asian stocks saw mixed performance on Friday, with Japan leading gains as inflation in Tokyo outpaced expectations, raising chances of a near-term Bank of Japan rate hike. The Nikkei 225 climbed 1.5%, buoyed by auto stocks like Toyota amid a weaker yen, while the TOPIX rose 1%. Despite weaker-than-expected factory output in November, Japanese equities gained on optimism about monetary policy. Chinese markets also edged higher as industrial profits contracted at a slower pace in November, while investors awaited details on Beijing’s fiscal stimulus plans. The Hang Seng gained 0.2%, and the Shanghai Composite added 0.3%. Meanwhile, South Korea’s KOSPI slid over 1.5% due to political turmoil as the acting president faces an impeachment vote, adding uncertainty to the nation’s economic outlook. Elsewhere, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.4%, Malaysia’s FTSE KLCI jumped over 1%, and Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up 0.2%.

Asian stock markets were mostly subdued on Thursday due to thin trading, with many major markets closed for holidays. Japanese shares outperformed, with the Nikkei 225 rising nearly 1% after news of a record $735 billion budget for the next fiscal year aimed at tackling rising expenses and supporting economic growth. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan hinted at a possible interest rate hike next year, pending global economic conditions. Chinese stocks remained flat despite plans for record fiscal stimulus, including $411 billion in special treasury bonds and relaxed investment rules for local officials. Elsewhere, South Korea’s KOSPI and Thailand’s SET Index saw little movement, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index dipped 0.2%. India’s Nifty 50 Futures signaled a weak start, reflecting continued losses. Markets remain cautious as investors await clearer policy directions and global economic signals.

Most Asian stocks rose on Tuesday, driven by gains in technology shares following similar recovery trends in U.S. markets, though trading was light ahead of Christmas. Wall Street’s rally on Monday, after tech stocks bounced back from last week’s losses, provided positive momentum. In Japan, Honda shares surged 15% on news of a $7 billion buyback and potential merger talks with Nissan, which traded flat after earlier gains. Mitsubishi Motors, linked to the merger, rose 3.6%. Chinese markets gained about 0.7% on stimulus hopes, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rallying 1% as tech stocks led. Broader markets, including Australia, saw modest gains amid signals of future rate cuts, while South Korea slipped 0.2% on political concerns. Singapore’s market rose 0.5%, and Indian futures suggested a weak open after recent losses. Investors are awaiting key economic data and clarity on fiscal plans in China.