Asian stock markets closed unevenly on Monday, with Japan’s Nikkei outperforming on a Toyota-led rally, while Chinese and Hong Kong bourses remained subdued amid conflicting U.S.–China trade signals.
Major Index Moves
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Nikkei 225: +0.5%
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TOPIX: +1.1%
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Shanghai Composite: flat
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CSI 300: flat
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Hang Seng: –0.1%
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KOSPI: +0.2%
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ASX 200: +0.8%
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Straits Times: –0.5%
Toyota’s Supplier Buyout Sparks Auto Rally
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Toyota Motor (TYO:7203 / NYSE:TM): +5.5% after exploring a $42 billion bid for parts maker Toyota Industries (OTC:TYIDF).
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Peer Gains: Nissan (OTC:NSANY) +2.5%; Honda (TYO:7267) +1.2%.
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Broader Impact: Boosted Japanese automakers and lifted the Nikkei.
Trade-Tariff Whiplash
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Trump vs. Bessent: White House hints at cutting China tariffs, only for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to deny talks—keeping U.S.–China trade outlook murky.
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China’s Stance: Beijing denies negotiations unless threats cease.
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Investor Take: Caution persists; U.S. futures drifted lower in Asian hours.
Central Bank Watch
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BOJ Meeting: Bank of Japan convenes May 1; widely expected to hold rates amid global uncertainty.
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China PMIs: Official and Caixin manufacturing figures due Wednesday—key gauges of tariff impact on China’s factory activity.
What to Watch Tomorrow
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China Official & Caixin PMIs (Wed)
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BOJ Policy Decision (May 1)
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U.S. Futures Reaction to trade announcements
Track Today’s Top Gainers
For a real-time snapshot of this morning’s biggest movers—like Toyota’s 5.5% surge—tap into the
đź”— Market Biggest Gainers – Market Overview API
from Financial Modeling Prep.
