Asian stock markets are showing a decline as optimism over recent trade agreements begins to fade.
Decline in Asian Stocks
Trading was subdued across Asia as investors digested mixed signals. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.88%, closing at 40,636.17. The S&P/ASX 200 in Australia slipped 0.13%, ending at 8,686.20.
South Korea's Kospi recovered from early losses to inch up by less than 0.1% to 3,212.59. In mainland China, the Hang Seng lost 1.1%, closing at 25,276.36, and the Shanghai Composite declined 0.3% to 3,586.93.
State of the US Stock Market
In the United States on Monday, stocks remained relatively quiet after Washington agreed to impose a 15% tariff on automotive and other goods from the EU. The S&P 500 remained almost flat, rising less than 0.1% to 6,389.77, marking its sixth consecutive record close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lowered by 0.1%, reaching 44,837.56. At the same time, the Nasdaq Composite edged up by 0.3%, reaching 21,178.58.
Commodity and Currency Market Data
In commodities trading, benchmark U.S. crude oil edged up 1 cent to $66.72 per barrel, while Brent crude added 6 cents to $70.10. In foreign exchange markets, the U.S. dollar strengthened to 148.56 Japanese yen, and the euro rose to $1.1600 from $1.1593.
Overall trends in stock markets indicate ongoing instability and investor expectations towards the impacts of trade wars and domestic economic decisions.
