Asia markets: Japan CPI, Trump tariffs
View of the Skytree from Ueno and Asakusa in Tokyo
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Markets in Japan, Korea, and China experienced mixed trading activity amidst thin trading due to the closure of most markets for Good Friday.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 saw a 0.78% increase following a 3.6% year-on-year growth in inflation for March, surpassing the Bank of Japan’s 2% target for the third consecutive year. The core-core inflation rate, excluding fresh food and energy prices, rose to 2.9%.
South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.43%, while China’s CSI declined by 0.37%. Shipping stocks in South Korea and Japan rose after the U.S. imposed fees on ships built in China.
Japanese companies like Nippon Yusen and Kawasaki Kisen saw their stocks rise, along with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. South Korea’s Pan Ocean and Hmm also experienced positive trading.
Markets in Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore remained closed for the holidays.
In the U.S., the S&P 500 closed slightly higher on Thursday amidst concerns over tariffs, ending the trading week lower. The Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average also closed mixed.
Investors have been cautious following Trump’s announcement of “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2.
This report includes contributions from CNBC’s Alex Harring and Pia Singh.
