Asian Stocks Rise Following Trump's China Comments, BOJ Hikes Rates

Global shares experienced a rise on Friday, driven by optimism surrounding lower U.S. interest rates and a potential U.S.-China trade deal following President Donald Trump's remarks about his amicable conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump expressed a desire to lower global oil prices and interest rates, emphasizing that tariffs remain a significant leverage point over China, although he would prefer not to impose them. The yen showed fluctuations after the Bank of Japan announced a widely anticipated rate hike, marking its highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. China's stock markets responded positively, with the CSI300 index up 0.6% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rising by 1.7%. The S&P 500 also reached a record high as the dollar weakened, reflecting investor caution towards impending trade policy shifts. Analysts noted that while Trump's comments have buoyed markets, they also introduce uncertainty regarding future tariff strategies.