The Nikkei 225 index in Tokyo fell by 0.7%, closing at 38,160.80 points, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong dropped 0.7% to 24,206.69 points.
In Shanghai, the composite index declined by 0.1% to 3,400.30 points.
South Korea’s Kospi index gained 0.4%, reaching 2,919.67 points, and Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.1% to 8,604.70 points.
On Wednesday, New York’s benchmark index, the S&P 500, had fallen by 0.3% to 6,022.24 points, marking its first loss in four days. The Dow Jones ended nearly unchanged at 42,865.77 points, with a marginal drop of 1 point. The Nasdaq, comprising technology firms, dipped 0.5% to 19,615.88 points.
Technology stocks were among the leading contributors to the declines, notably Apple, which fell 1.9% following modest updates to its operating system.
In the bond market, U.S. Treasury yields eased after May inflation data showed an annual increase of 2.4%, below Wall Street’s expectations of 2.5%.
Investors remain focused on the impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which many fear could fuel inflationary pressures and slow economic growth.
Trump stated on Wednesday that China will supply rare earth minerals to the U.S., and that Chinese students will be allowed to enter American universities as part of a preliminary agreement still pending approval by the two leaders.
The U.S. President emphasized his intent to “work closely” with Chinese President Xi Jinping to “open up China to American trade,” describing this as “a great victory for both countries.”
Optimism regarding a more comprehensive trade agreement between Washington and Beijing has been one of the main drivers of the recovery in U.S. markets, with the S&P 500 now just 2% below its historical high, following a correction of about 20% in April.
In the automotive sector, Tesla finished with a marginal gain of 0.1% after a volatile session. The company continues to recover from last week’s losses triggered by tensions between CEO Elon Musk and Trump, which raised concerns about potential impacts on the brand’s business.
In the oil market, the U.S. benchmark crude rose by 13 cents to $68.28 per barrel, while Brent increased by 10 cents to $69.87.
In the foreign exchange market, the euro appreciated to $1.1521, compared to $1.1487 in the previous session.
