Asia Markets Climb on Trade Optimism
Asia-Pacific markets climbed Wednesday as trade discussions between the U.S. and China led to an agreement, representatives from both sides said.
The deal is now awaiting a nod from the leaders of the two countries.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 gained 209.68 points, or 0.6%, to 38,421.19.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng recovered 204.07 points, or 0.8%, to 24,366.94.
The talks had continued for a second day in London on Tuesday. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he was departing the ongoing trade talks, but Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer would remain to continue the negotiations. Discussions could extend into Wednesday if needed, Lutnick said previously.
Elsewhere, Korean markets surged to their highest since January 2022 according to LSEG data.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 revived 29.16 points, or 0.8%, to 3,894.63.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index grabbed 35.19 points, or 1.2%, to 21,470.10.
In Singapore, the Straits Times index faded 14.75 points, or 0.4%, to 3,919.05
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 gained 41.51 points, or 0.3%, to 12,605.93.
In Australia, the ASX 200 forged ahead 4.91 points, or 0.1%, to 8,592.10.
