Asian stock markets opened with mixed results today following the conclusion of high-stakes talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.8 percent and South Korea’s Kospi added 0.4 percent, while China’s CSI 300 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.6 and 0.9 percent, respectively.
The May 12 summit between the leaders of the world's two largest economies focused on trade tariffs and rare earth metal supplies, yet no concrete agreements on these key issues were announced.
Investor sentiment is facing further pressure from tensions in Iran, as oil prices rising above $78 a barrel heighten fears of global inflation and a slowdown in Asian demand.
Analysts point out that this apparent uncertainty masks a deeper struggle for control over supply chains, with China seeking to maintain its technological edge while the U.S. works to restrict it.
Markets will be monitoring Washington and Beijing closely in the coming weeks, as even slight shifts in trade policy could swiftly alter the course of regional indices.
