0
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Thursday as investors closely monitored a high-stakes meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, hoping for fresh signals on trade relations and economic cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday alongside several leading U.S. business executives, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Markets are watching the summit closely for developments surrounding tariffs, export controls, semiconductors, and rare earth supplies.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.27% to 63,422.84, supported by gains in technology and export-related stocks, while the broader Topix index slipped 0.23%. In South Korea, the Kospi added 0.38%, and the small-cap Kosdaq climbed 1.31% as investor sentiment improved across semiconductor and growth sectors.

Australian markets moved lower, with the S&P/ASX 200 declining 0.16%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Hang Seng futures pointed to a stronger open at 26,799, compared with the index’s previous close of 26,388.44.
Analysts expect the Trump-Xi meeting to focus mainly on trade negotiations and export restrictions rather than delivering a major reset in bilateral relations. Key topics are expected to include tariffs, semiconductor access, and critical mineral exports.
Goldman Sachs analysts said China could potentially increase purchases of U.S. agricultural products, energy, and aircraft in exchange for avoiding further tariff hikes. The bank also maintained a positive outlook on Chinese assets, citing strong export competitiveness and what it described as an undervalued yuan.
“While unlikely to completely reshape U.S.-China relations, the meeting could provide short-term support for the Chinese yuan and mainland equities,” analysts noted.
In the United States, stock futures edged slightly higher ahead of Thursday’s session. S&P 500 futures gained 0.1%, while Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.4%. Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced by 111 points, or nearly 0.3%.
Overnight on Wall Street, the S&P 500 climbed 0.58% to close at a fresh record high of 7,444.25, while the Nasdaq surged 1.2% to 26,402.34, also setting a new all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, slipped 67.36 points, or 0.14%, ending the session at 49,693.20.
Technology stocks continued to drive gains in U.S. markets despite stronger-than-expected inflation data, as investors remained optimistic about the long-term growth outlook for artificial intelligence and semiconductor sectors.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein (1) is proprietary to BCR and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely; and, (4) does not constitute advice or a recommendation by BCR or its content providers in respect of the investment in financial instruments. Neither BCR or its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
More Coverage
Risk Disclosure:Derivatives are traded over-the-counter on margin, which means they carry a high level of risk and there is a possibility you could lose all of your investment. These products are not suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks and carefully consider your financial situation and trading experience before trading. Seek independent financial advice if necessary before opening an account with BCR.
BCR Co Pty Ltd (Company No. 1975046) is a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, with its registered office at Trident Chambers, Wickham’s Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and is licensed and regulated by the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission under License No. SIBA/L/19/1122.
Open Bridge Limited (Company No. 16701394) is a company incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 and registered in England and Wales, with its registered address at Kemp House, 160 City Road, London, City Road, London, England, EC1V 2NX. This entity acts solely as a payment processor and does not provide any trading or investment services.