Asian stock markets mostly advanced on Tuesday, led by gains in regional tech shares that mirrored strength in U.S. counterparts. Optimism was tempered, however, by lingering concerns over U.S.-China trade tensions and fragile economic indicators.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 0.3%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index surged 1.2%, rebounding from recent losses. Technology stocks outperformed, buoyed by easing U.S. Treasury yields and sustained investor confidence in artificial intelligence demand. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) rose 1% after its CEO acknowledged tariff pressures but reaffirmed robust AI-driven growth.
Electric vehicle shares also rallied. BYD Co. climbed nearly 2%, snapping a six-day losing streak after strong May sales, especially overseas. Li Auto jumped nearly 5%, leading Hang Seng gainers following a Goldman Sachs price target hike.
Chinese markets reopened after a holiday, but the Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 traded flat. Investor caution grew after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Beijing of breaching a trade agreement, claims China firmly denied. Trade talks appeared stalled, dampening hopes for a lasting resolution. Meanwhile, China’s Caixin manufacturing PMI unexpectedly contracted in May, signaling the negative impact of U.S. tariffs and soft overseas demand.
Elsewhere in Asia, Australia’s ASX 200 rose 0.3% as central bank minutes reaffirmed a dovish stance following a recent rate cut. Still, economic data remained weak, with a surprise contraction in company profits and a wider-than-expected current account deficit ahead of key GDP figures.
Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up 0.1%, while futures suggested a cautious open for India’s Nifty 50 ahead of the Reserve Bank of India’s interest rate decision. Markets expect a 25 basis point cut to support growth amid global headwinds.