Asian markets rise despite tariff uncertainty

Asian stocks climbed, and London and Frankfurt exchanges reached new highs on Wednesday despite Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s caution that the US central bank is not rushing to lower interest rates.

Asia’s gains continued despite concerns about the next round of tariffs from US President Donald Trump, who recently imposed 25 per cent duties on aluminium and steel imports and is contemplating additional measures.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 closed 0.4 per cent higher at 38,963.70, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index saw a significant gain of 2.6 per cent. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s Composite Index also ended on a positive note, rising 0.9 per cent to 3,346.39.

Attribution: France24

Subediting: M. S. Salama