Asian Markets Mixed: Australia Dips, Japan Rises Amid Tariff Delay and Oil Price Drop on February 6, 2025

Asian stock markets presented a mixed picture on Thursday, February 6, 2025, influenced by Wall Street's positive cues, a delay in U.S. tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and falling crude oil prices. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.68% to 8,085.50, driven by losses in energy, tech, and financials, despite a trade surplus increase to A$5.62 billion in January. Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.82% to 37,726.02, boosted by index heavyweights and exporters. Elsewhere, Indonesia and Hong Kong saw gains of 1.5% and 1.9%, respectively. Wall Street experienced a significant turnaround, with the Nasdaq up 1.5% and the S&P 500 up 1.1%. Crude oil prices dropped 2.86% to $66.31 a barrel due to global economic growth concerns.