Asia Stocks Mixed Amid Tariff, Inflation Concerns

Asian stock markets have shown mixed performance this week as investors respond to optimism from new trade agreements, including a preliminary US-Indonesia deal, as well as concerns over rising US inflation and President Donald Trump's escalating tariff threats. Japanese equities fluctuated, with the Nikkei alternating between losses and gains amid worries about the impact of US tariffs on global growth and ahead of the country's upper house election. Tech stocks, particularly those linked to US chipmaker Nvidia, helped lift some indices such as Hong Kong's Hang Seng, but broader sentiment was dampened by tariff-related uncertainty and weaker consumer spending in China. The US dollar strengthened against the yen following higher-than-expected US inflation data, reducing expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Oil prices remained stable, and investors across the region are closely watching for further economic data from China and signals of progress in global trade negotiations. Overall, market participants remain cautious, adopting a wait-and-see approach amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.