Asian shares showed mixed results on March 12, 2025, as investors reacted to President Donald Trump’s tariffs following a decline on Wall Street. The S&P 500 index fell more than 10% below its record high, influenced by Trump’s increased tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
- Asian shares mixed amid tariff concerns
- U.S. futures and oil prices rise
- Trump's tariffs impact Wall Street stability
- Job openings remain solid in U.S. economy
- Energy prices see slight increases
- Big Tech stocks show signs of recovery
On Wednesday, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose by 0.2% to 36,880.79, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng increased by 0.3% to 23,845.37. In contrast, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell by 1.7% to 7,756.90, and the Shanghai Composite dipped nearly 0.1% to 3,377.95. South Korea’s Kospi gained 1.5% to reach 2,575.39.
The S&P 500 index closed down 0.8%, now 9.3% below its all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 1.1% to 41,433.48, and the Nasdaq composite fell by 0.2% to 17,436.10. Investors are concerned about the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariff policies and their potential impact on the economy.
Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, noted that Trump’s tariff strategies are creating instability in the markets, leaving investors uncertain about future measures. Trump himself acknowledged that the economy might face some “disturbance” due to these tariffs, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the president aims to protect both Wall Street and Main Street.
In energy markets, benchmark U.S. crude rose by 52 cents to $66.77 a barrel, and Brent crude increased by 51 cents to $70.07. The U.S. dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen, rising to 148.22 from 147.78, while the euro slightly decreased to $1.0902.
In summary, Asian shares displayed mixed performance amid ongoing concerns over U.S. tariffs. The markets are reacting to the uncertainty created by Trump’s policies, which have led to significant fluctuations in stock prices and investor sentiment.
