Asian Stocks Rise Led by Japan, Australia; China, Hong Kong Fall

Asian stock markets mostly rose on Thursday following a rebound in Wall Street technology shares and a weaker U.S. dollar, which made regional assets more attractive. Japan's Nikkei 225 rallied about 1.2%, and markets in Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, and India also posted gains, while China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng indices declined amid concerns over potential regulatory tightening to cool rapid stock gains. The U.S. bond market eased after weaker job openings data increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates soon, supporting investor sentiment and stock prices. Alphabet's significant 9.1% rally after avoiding major setbacks in its antitrust case fueled the tech sector rebound on Wall Street, lifting the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Despite positive momentum, concerns remain about inflation risks related to tariffs and government debt, as well as regulatory scrutiny in Chinese markets. Investors are closely watching the upcoming U.S. non-farm payrolls report and the Federal Reserve's policy stance amid global economic uncertainties.