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
Nikkei 225: +0.5%
TOPIX: +1.1%
Shanghai Composite: flat
CSI 300: flat
Hang Seng: –0.1%
KOSPI: +0.2%
ASX 200: +0.8%
Straits Times: –0.5%
Toyota’s Supplier Buyout Sparks Auto Rally
Toyota Motor (TYO:7203 / NYSE:TM): +5.5% after exploring a $42 billion bid for parts maker Toyota Industries (OTC:TYIDF).
Peer Gains: Nissan (OTC:NSANY) +2.5%; Honda (TYO:7267) +1.2%.
Broader Impact: Boosted Japanese automakers and lifted the Nikkei.
Trade-Tariff Whiplash
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.
China’s Stance: Beijing denies negotiations unless threats cease.
Investor Take: Caution persists; U.S. futures drifted lower in Asian hours.
Central Bank Watch
BOJ Meeting: Bank of Japan convenes May 1; widely expected to hold rates amid global uncertainty.
China PMIs: Official and Caixin manufacturing figures due Wednesday—key gauges of tariff impact on China’s factory activity.
What to Watch Tomorrow
China Official & Caixin PMIs (Wed)
BOJ Policy Decision (May 1)
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? Market Biggest Gainers – Market Overview APIfrom Financial Modeling Prep.
