Asian Shares Mostly Fall as Region Watches for Outcome of Trump’s Visits

Asian shares were mostly lower on Tuesday as investors watched for the outcome of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s top leader, Yuri Kageyama reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). (Photo: ASEAN Exchanges)

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 0.6% to 26,276.18, reversing earlier gains, while the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.2% to 3,988.68 after briefly topping 4,000, its highest level in a decade.

Trump has suggested he expects to reach another trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they meet on the sidelines of a Pacific Rim summit in South Korea.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 0.6% to finish at 50,219.18, pulling back after hitting record highs since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office, pledging to expand economic stimulus and boost defense spending.

Elsewhere, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.5% to 9,012.50, while South Korea’s Kospi shed 0.8% to 4,010.41 after the government reported relatively strong quarterly economic growth driven by robust consumption, investment, and exports.