Asian Markets Rise on Tech Gains, Tariff Relief

Asian markets mostly rose, led by strong gains in chipmakers such as Nvidia and supported by positive US labor market data, following a tech-driven rally on Wall Street. Regional benchmarks in Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong advanced, while South Korea’s markets rebounded strongly after the presidential election ended political uncertainty. The U.S. extended tariff exemptions on certain Chinese goods, helping to offset investor concerns about ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and President Trump’s escalating tariff policies. China criticized new U.S. export controls targeting its tech sector, and the European Union threatened countermeasures over Trump’s plan to double steel tariffs. Weak manufacturing data and persistent trade frictions continued to pose risks. However, investor sentiment remained stable due to robust tech performance and hopes for further economic resilience.