Wednesday 23rd April 2025: Asia-Pacific Markets Rally as Easing U.S.-China Trade Tensions Boost Global Sentiment

Global Markets:

•  Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei up 1.98%, Shanghai Composite up 0.19%, Hang Seng up 2.40% ASX up 1.40%
• Commodities : Gold at $3333.35 (-2.09%), Silver at $32.68 (-0.35%), Brent Oil at $68.08 (0.95%), WTI Oil at $64.30 (0.99%)
• Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.354, UK 10-year yield at 4.5430, Germany 10-year yield at 2.4570

News & Data:

• (USD) Richmond Manufacturing Index  -13  to -6  expected
• (EUR) Consumer Confidence  -17  to -15  expected

Markets Update:

Asia-Pacific markets rose on Wednesday, following overnight gains on Wall Street fueled by optimism over easing U.S.-China trade tensions. Investor sentiment improved after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the final tariffs on Chinese goods entering the U.S. would not reach the previously speculated 145%, though they wouldn’t be eliminated entirely. He also reassured markets by confirming that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will remain in his role, easing concerns about the central bank’s independence.

Hong Kong led regional gains, with the Hang Seng Index climbing 2.48% and the Hang Seng Tech Index jumping 3.21%. Mainland China’s CSI 300 index edged up 0.22%. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 advanced 2.09%, while the broader Topix index added 2.05%.

Indian equities also traded higher, as the Nifty 50 rose 0.64% and the BSE Sensex gained 0.56%. South Korea’s Kospi climbed 1.51%, and the Kosdaq gained 0.93%. Meanwhile, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 increased by 1.22%.

U.S. futures moved higher as Trump’s comments on Powell reassured investors. This followed a strong rebound in U.S. markets overnight, driven by hopes of reduced trade tensions with China.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,016.57 points, or 2.66%, closing at 39,186.98. The S&P 500 rose 2.51% to 5,287.76, while the Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.71%, finishing at 16,300.42.

Overall, global markets rallied on signs of diplomatic progress and policy stability in the U.S., lifting investor confidence across regions.

Upcoming Events: 

• 01:45 PM GMT – USD Flash Manufacturing PMI
• 01:45 PM GMT – USD Flash Services PMI
• 02:00 PM GMT – USD New Home Sales

The post Wednesday 23rd April 2025: Asia-Pacific Markets Rally as Easing U.S.-China Trade Tensions Boost Global Sentiment first appeared on IC Markets | Official Blog.