Asian stock markets showed a mixed performance on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, as investors assessed the implications of a temporary US-China tariff agreement. The agreement involves reducing tariffs to 30 percent and 10 percent, respectively, for a 90-day period. Investors are also awaiting further trade developments with other major US partners.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Index edged down by 0.09 percent to 8,261.80, ending a five-session winning streak. Japan's Nikkei 225 Index fell by 0.14 percent to 38,128.13, influenced by declines in exporter and automaker stocks, while technology stocks outperformed.
In Australia, Aristocrat Leisure shares tumbled over 13 percent following disappointing half-year results. Insignia Financial saw takeover talks collapse after Bain Capital withdrew its offer due to macro uncertainty, leaving CC Capital as the remaining bidder. Japan's producer prices showed a 4.0 percent yearly increase in April, a slowdown from the previous month.
Wall Street saw gains on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 climbing 0.7 percent and the Nasdaq jumping 1.6 percent. Crude oil prices also surged, reaching their highest closing level in almost a month, driven by optimism about demand outlook.
The mixed performance in Asian markets reflects cautious optimism balanced with profit-taking and concerns over specific company results and global economic indicators. Investors are closely monitoring trade developments and their potential impact on international markets.