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Asian stocks mostly rose on Friday, following record highs on Wall Street and optimism over more economic support from China. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX gained slightly despite the Bank of Japan hiking interest rates by 25 basis points, signaling more hikes ahead amid rising inflation and slower growth forecasts. Chinese markets also rose, supported by government policies encouraging investment in local equities, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rallied 1.7% on chipmaking stock gains. South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.8% due to optimism over a U.S. artificial intelligence project. Australia’s ASX 200 added 0.5%, while Singapore’s market dipped after the central bank loosened monetary policy. Meanwhile, India’s Nifty 50 futures indicated a flat open near seven-month lows. Investors are also focused on next week’s U.S. Federal Reserve meeting, where rates are expected to remain unchanged. Chinese markets prepare for the Lunar New Year, with key PMI data due Monday.

Most Asian markets rose on Thursday, led by gains in Japan and China. Japanese stocks, up 0.5%, gained ahead of an expected Bank of Japan rate hike, which is largely priced in, while inflation and PMI data are due Friday. Chinese markets rebounded, with the Shanghai Composite rising 0.7%, boosted by Beijing’s plans to direct state insurers to invest in local stocks, signaling more government support amid trade tariff challenges. South Korea’s KOSPI fell 0.9% on weak GDP data and profit-taking in tech stocks like SK Hynix, despite its record profits. Broader Asian markets saw mixed performance, with Australia’s ASX 200 falling 0.6% and Singapore’s Straits Times index gaining 0.6%. Wall Street futures cooled in Asian trade after a rally on Wednesday fueled by AI investment announcements and strong earnings, with the S&P 500 briefly hitting record highs.

Asian stocks rose on Wednesday, led by technology shares, after OpenAI announced a $500 billion partnership with major U.S. firms to build AI infrastructure, boosting demand for AI chips and tech equipment. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.5%, while South Korea’s KOSPI and Taiwan’s TSMC gained as optimism around AI lifted chipmakers and tech stocks. However, Chinese markets lagged, with the Shanghai Composite down 0.8%, as U.S. President Trump hinted at imposing 10% tariffs on Chinese imports by February over fentanyl-related issues. This reignited trade war concerns, even as Chinese stimulus measures are expected. Meanwhile, Wall Street’s tech rally, driven by strong Netflix earnings, added positive momentum to most Asian markets, with Australia’s ASX 200 and Indian Nifty 50 futures also showing slight gains. However, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.3%, reflecting caution amid ongoing trade uncertainties.

Asian stocks traded mixed as investors reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s initial policies, with no tariffs imposed on China, Mexico, or Canada on his first day in office, though he signaled potential future duties, including a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. Markets remained volatile as Trump emphasized an “America First” trade policy, raising concerns about global trade disruptions and a potential trade war. Chinese and Hong Kong markets saw slight declines, while Australia’s ASX 200 gained, and South Korea’s KOSPI fell modestly. Japan’s Nikkei was muted ahead of a Bank of Japan meeting, where potential interest rate hikes could pressure markets but signal confidence in domestic economic growth. Amid uncertainty, China may boost economic stimulus to counter any trade war impacts, offering some optimism for regional growth.

Most Asian stocks rose on Monday, driven by optimism that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may soften his stance on China. Japanese and Hong Kong stocks led the gains, with the Nikkei 225 and Hang Seng indexes rising 1.5% and 1.6%, respectively. There was speculation that Trump might not impose harsh tariffs on China, as he did not mention tariffs during a recent rally. However, concerns remain about his plans for trade, with reports suggesting he could still sign executive orders, including higher tariffs. Chinese markets rose as the People’s Bank of China kept interest rates unchanged and continued stimulus measures. Despite this, there are concerns about the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on China’s economy, especially on exports and the property market. Broader Asian markets were mostly higher, though caution remained ahead of Trump’s inauguration and key economic data this week.

Most Asian stocks rose on Friday, mainly driven by strong economic data from China, including better-than-expected GDP growth and industrial production in the fourth quarter of 2024. China’s stock markets, like the CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite, gained 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively. Retail sales in December also saw a strong increase, helping boost investor sentiment. Other Asian markets, such as the Philippines and Indonesia, followed suit with gains. However, Japanese stocks, including the Nikkei 225, dropped over 1% due to concerns about a possible interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan next week. The upcoming interest rate decision in Japan is closely watched, with some expecting a hike if economic conditions continue to improve. Regional markets were cautious ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, given his trade tariff threats, which may lead to a trade war with China. India’s Nifty 50 and South Korea’s KOSPI both saw slight declines.

Asian stocks saw a sharp rise on Thursday, driven by a positive reaction to softer U.S. inflation data. Markets gained after a strong rally in Wall Street, with U.S. futures steady in Asia. The focus now shifts to Japan’s Bank of Japan (BOJ) meeting next week, with possible rate hikes if the economy continues improving. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.4%, but a stronger yen weighed on the index, as it can hurt exporters’ profits. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 jumped 1.4%, boosted by strong job market data. In China, markets were more cautious ahead of key economic data, including GDP and industrial production figures, due on Friday. South Korea’s KOSPI gained 1.2%, despite the Bank of Korea deciding to hold interest rates steady at 3.00%, against expectations of a cut due to ongoing political unrest. Overall, the market’s optimism was fueled by hopes of slower inflation and potential rate cuts in major economies.

Most Asian stocks saw small gains on Wednesday, following an overnight rise in U.S. markets, but investors remained cautious ahead of key U.S. inflation data. U.S. stock index futures were higher, and market attention was focused on the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions for 2025. While Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indexes rose, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 remained mostly unchanged. Chinese and Hong Kong stocks showed mixed results, while other Asian markets like Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia saw declines. Investors are also awaiting key economic data from China, including full-year GDP figures, industrial production, and retail sales, which are expected on Friday. Meanwhile, South Korea’s KOSPI index rose slightly, with expectations of a rate cut from the Bank of Korea to support the economy. Overall, markets were uncertain, influenced by the Fed’s hawkish stance and political developments in South Korea.

Asian stocks were mixed on Tuesday. Chinese shares surged, with the Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 indices rising on reports that Donald Trump’s economic team is considering a gradual increase in U.S. tariffs. The plan could raise tariffs by 2% to 5% each month, aiming to improve negotiations without causing too much inflation. However, Japanese stocks took a hit, with the Nikkei dropping 1.7% as markets adjusted their expectations for fewer U.S. interest rate cuts in 2025 after stronger-than-expected payroll data. Investors are now focused on upcoming key economic data, including China’s GDP, industrial production, and retail sales figures for December. In South Korea, there is speculation about a possible interest rate cut due to political and economic struggles. Overall, Asian markets are under pressure from the expectation that the U.S. Federal Reserve will be less aggressive with rate cuts this year, which has impacted investor sentiment across the region.