Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 surpassed the 45,000 mark for the first time, leading gains in Asia-Pacific markets Monday, after President Donald Trump said that the U.S.-China trade negotiations in Spain were progressing well.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 returned to trading after a long weekend to gain 134.15, or 0.3%, to 44,902.27.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng shed 9.72 points, or 0.2%, to 26,438.51.
South Korea’s Kospi continued to notch a fresh record for the second day, after the government reversed its plan to hike capital gains tax on stocks on Monday.
Among the top gainers on the index were car dealer Kolon Mobility Group, which rose 29.91%, Il Dong Pharmaceutical, which increased 18.16%, and instant noodles company Nongshim, which was up 16.78%.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 eked higher 11.06 points, or 0.2%, to 4,533.06.
The trade talks were, however, overshadowed by a “framework” deal regarding the divestment of Chinese-owned TikTok, announced by
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Monday. Speaking from Madrid, Bessent noted that the commercial terms have already been settled.
Both U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will speak on Friday to discuss the terms.
In other markets
In Korea, the Kospi gained 42.31 points, or 1.2%, to build on Monday’s record close, at 3,449.62.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index dropped 0.68 points to 4,337.74.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index zoomed 272.48 points, or 1.1%, to 25,629.64
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 recovered 26.58 points, or 0.2%, to 13,234.89.
In Australia, the ASX 200 regained 24.75 points, or 0.3%, to 8,877.75
