Over the past week ending August 3, 2025, Asian stock markets exhibited mixed performances amid ongoing trade tensions, tariff announcements, and economic data releases. Markets were influenced by U.S. tariff tweaks, weak Chinese PMIs, and reactions to global monetary policies, leading to subdued trading in several indices.
Key indices showed varied movements: Japan's Nikkei 225 experienced a weekly decline of approximately 0.2% to 4.11% in fluctuations, recovering slightly from lows due to yen weakness but pressured by trade jitters. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was relatively flat to down, impacted by tariffs and stimulus silence, with some sessions showing gains of 0.68% driven by strong earnings. China's Shanghai Composite rose modestly by 0.29% in some sessions but faced overall pressure from weak PMIs and trade war escalations.
Major market movers included tech and auto stocks sliding due to escalating U.S.-China trade wars and new tariffs announced by the Trump administration. Positive factors included U.S. trade deals with Japan, Philippines, and Indonesia, boosting export optimism in some sectors, while Australian stocks like the ASX 200 defied global slumps with gains in gold and banking.
Significant earnings releases featured Wuxi AppTec driving growth in Hong Kong's Hang Seng with strong results, while Rio Tinto's earnings miss weighed on the ASX 200 amid copper price drops following U.S. tariffs. Other notable mentions included tech shares rallying or slumping based on global sentiment.
Key economic events included weak China PMIs signaling manufacturing slowdowns, a hawkish Fed tone, and anticipation around the Bank of Japan's decisions. U.S.-South Korea trade deals and ECB's hawkish stance also influenced sentiment, alongside U.S. non-farm payrolls expectations.
Most searched or relevant tickers highlighted investor interest in major indices and affected stocks, reflecting trade and earnings impacts.