Asia Stocks mixed as Trump threatens new trade tariffs

Asian stock markets ended mixed as investors assessed the latest tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump targeting 14 trade partners. Goods exported to the U.S. from Japan and South Korea are now set to face 25% tariffs starting August 1, according to letters posted by Trump on Truth Social. Other countries affected include Indonesia (32% tariff), Bangladesh (35%), Cambodia, and Thailand (36%).

On the monetary front, the Reserve Bank of Australia unexpectedly held interest rates steady, citing persistent inflation uncertainty and global trade risks.

In equities, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.35%, while Shenzhen gained 0.68%. Hong Kong climbed 0.77%, and Seoul led the region with a 1.73% advance. Mumbai was flat at -0.02%, while Sydney slipped 0.17%.

In currency markets, the euro was steady against major Asian currencies: +0.03% vs. the yen, +0.01% vs. the yuan, and flat vs. the Hong Kong dollar.

Bond yields in Asia remained stable, with Japan’s 10-year government bond yielding 1.49%, and China’s equivalent at 1.65%.