Japanese and Australian Stock Market Movements #

Concerns about U.S. trade policy are likely to lead to a fall in Japanese stocks. Nikkei futures have decreased by 0.6%, sitting at 37870. The USD/JPY has also seen a drop to 151.14, down from 152.15 as recorded during Wednesday’s close of the Tokyo stock market. Investors are closely watching the yen’s movements and any developments related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Previously, the Nikkei Stock Average decreased by 0.8%, landing at 38134.97.

Australian stock futures, however, hint at a potential rise for the S&P/ASX 200 at the market open despite a less than favorable performance by U.S. equities. ASX futures have shown a 0.2% increase ahead of Thursday’s session. The benchmark index gained 0.6% the day before, nearing a new record. In the US, tech earnings impacted major indexes, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average declining by 0.3%, the S&P 500 falling by 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite shedding 0.6%. Australia’s ASX 200, dominated by financial companies and miners, holds fewer tech stocks. Ahead of the trading day, insurance company IAG announced it agreed to pay A$855 million for a 90% stake in the underwriting business of motoring club RACQ.