**Global Markets React to U.S. Presidential Inauguration**
In the bustling world of Asian markets, anticipation was palpable as traders awaited the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration on market sentiments. The scene was a mix of optimism and caution, with analysts offering contrasting views on the potential outcomes.
Some experts speculated that the inauguration could breathe fresh optimism into global markets, setting the stage for positive growth. On the flip side, concerns loomed over the looming threat of incoming tariffs and their potential dampening effect on Asian economies.
The absence of U.S. markets on Monday due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday added an air of suspense to the unfolding narrative. Japan’s Nikkei 225 tiptoed downwards by 0.1%, settling at 38,951.77, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 made a modest gain of 0.5% to reach 8,392.80. South Korea’s Kospi, however, experienced a minor setback, losing 0.2% to close at 2,514.06.
Amidst the uncertainty, concerns regarding the impact of Trump’s policies on China started to ease as both nations expressed a willingness to enhance their relations. The market breathed a collective sigh of relief as Trump refrained from immediately imposing new tariffs on Chinese exports to the U.S.
The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong saw a 0.4% uptick, reaching 20,012.25, contrasting with the Shanghai Composite, which dipped by 0.3% to 3,233.85.
Market expert Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, noted a notable shift in market sentiment: “In a twist that calmed nerves across global markets…President Trump revealed he would not, contrary to expectations, roll out new tariffs immediately.”
As whispers of potential executive actions aimed at bolstering the U.S. economy circulated, U.S. stock market futures mirrored the optimism, edging higher.
In a separate development, Fuji Media Holdings witnessed a drop in its stock price during morning trading. This was in response to several companies, such as Toyota Motor Corp., opting to suspend television commercials aired alongside Fuji TV shows. The company’s stock price had been on a rollercoaster ride recently due to a scandal reported by weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun.
On the energy front, benchmark U.S. crude took a dip, shedding $1.14 to settle at $76.74 per barrel. In contrast, Brent crude, the global standard, edged up by 13 cents to $80.28 per barrel.
The currency markets also experienced subtle ripples, with the weak U.S. dollar reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariff policies. Although the dollar slipped to 155.14 Japanese yen from 155.61 yen, currency movements remained relatively tempered. The euro’s value ticked down slightly to $1.0389 from $1.0419
