Asia-Pacific markets mixed amid tariffs and interest rates

Asia-Pacific markets mixed as investors react to Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision and US tariffs on South Korean imports

Published

7 months ago

July 31, 2025

Ahron Young

Asia-Pacific markets mixed as investors react to Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision and US tariffs on South Korean imports

In Short:
– Asia-Pacific markets were mixed as the Bank of Japan kept interest rates at 0.5%.
– South Korean auto stocks fell sharply due to new U.S. tariffs on imports.

Asia-Pacific markets showed mixed signals on Thursday as the Bank of Japan maintained its short-term interest rates at 0.5%, consistent with expectations.

According to Bloomberg, investors are also analysing the U.S. tariffs, which include a 15% levy on imports from South Korea and a 25% duty on imports from India, along with an unspecified penalty.

South Korean automobile stocks experienced significant drops following the tariff announcements.

Kia Corp’s shares decreased by 5.25%, while Hyundai Motor’s shares fell by 3.48% as of 10.53 a.m. local time.

Mixed Trading

Chinese and Hong Kong stocks also opened lower on Thursday, paralleling the mixed performance seen across Asia-Pacific markets.

By 9.39 a.m. local time, the Hang Seng Index had declined by 0.91%, while the CSI 300 index remained unchanged.

U.S. jobs report, Fed decisions, and Japan’s economic risks explained

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

Published

9 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

The January US jobs report shows a mixed picture for the economy, with payroll revisions and steady unemployment leaving analysts questioning the impact on Federal Reserve policy. We break down what the numbers mean for interest rates and market confidence.

US stock markets could face turbulence as investors digest the latest jobs data. David Scutt from StoneX explains how these figures may influence equities and what the outlook is for global markets.

Meanwhile, developments in Japan and a strengthening yen could spark new macroeconomic risks. From carry trades to unexpected shocks, we explore how these factors ripple across the global economy.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#USJobsReport #FederalReserve #StockMarket #MacroRisks #JapanEconomy #GlobalMarkets #CurrencyTrading #EconomicUpdate

Money

Alphabet launches $20B bond to fund AI expansion

Alphabet’s $20B bond offering highlights investor confidence in AI growth, enabling funding without shareholder dilution.

Published

1 day ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Alphabet’s $20B bond offering highlights investor confidence in AI growth, enabling funding without shareholder dilution.

Alphabet has launched a record $20 billion bond offering to finance its massive AI infrastructure build-out, signalling strong investor confidence in the company’s growth strategy. The oversubscribed sale shows that investors are betting on Alphabet’s AI potential and long-term returns.

By using debt instead of equity, Alphabet can raise funds without diluting shareholders. The money will support AI research, advanced computing, and other strategic projects, cementing the company’s leadership in the sector.

Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies explains how corporate debt is reshaping tech financing and how investors perceive AI-linked bonds. This record issuance could set a trend for other tech companies looking to fund innovation.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

Money

AI tax tool sparks market turmoil for financial firms

Major financial firms’ stocks fell sharply after an AI tax tool launch, raising investor fears of disruption in advisory services.

Published

1 day ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Major financial firms’ stocks fell sharply after an AI tax tool launch, raising investor fears of disruption in advisory services.

Shares of major financial services firms tumbled after the launch of a new AI-powered tax planning tool. LPL Financial dropped nearly 11%, while Charles Schwab and Raymond James Financial fell more than 9%, signalling investor concern over AI disrupting traditional advisory services.

Morgan Stanley also saw a 4% decline as fears grow that AI could replace some of the most profitable offerings of established firms. Earlier this year, the introduction of other AI models already caused turbulence in software stocks, suggesting this could be a broader trend affecting multiple sectors.

The iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers and Securities ETF was down 4% on Tuesday, reflecting the market-wide uncertainty surrounding AI adoption in finance. Investors are closely watching whether AI will complement or cannibalise the industry’s core services.

#AIImpact #WallStreet #FinancialMarkets #InvestingNews #MorganStanley #CharlesSchwab #RaymondJames #FinTech