Asian Markets Mostly Weaker as Investors Await Trump Speech

Regional Market Performance

Asian markets showed a predominantly negative trend on Thursday morning as investors positioned themselves ahead of US President Donald Trump's highly anticipated speech. The Nikkei 225 index declined by 1.07% to reach 48,983.51, while the Kospi experienced an even sharper drop of 1.38%, settling at 4,000.36. The Hang Seng index opened with a 0.54% decline to 25,330.83, and the Taiex was down 0.32% at 27,437.5. In a rare positive note, the ASX 200 managed to gain 0.2%, reaching 8,567.8.

Market Drivers

The current market dynamics are largely influenced by two major factors: the ongoing rotation away from technology stocks on Wall Street and the upcoming policy speech by President Trump. Investors are closely watching Trump's address, expected to reveal his administration's achievements and potentially outline future policy directions, including his approach towards Venezuela. The market is bracing for potential policy announcements that could impact global markets.

Individual Market Performance

• Nikkei 225: -1.07% to 48,983.51
• Hang Seng: -0.54% to 25,330.83
• Taiex: -0.32% to 27,437.5
• Kospi: -1.38% to 4,000.36
• ASX 200: +0.2% to 8,567.8
• FTSE Straits Times: +0.02% to 4,576.46
• FTSE Malay KLCI: -0.1% to 1,639.81

Market Sentiment

The overall market sentiment remains cautious as investors await Trump's speech for potential policy shifts. The rotation out of technology stocks has added to the current market volatility, creating a challenging environment for investors to navigate.