Asian markets ended the session mixed as the trading week come to an end, due to a backdrop of global trade related developments and news out of Washington.
In Tokyo, The Nikkei 225 gave up earlier gains to slip by 0.24 percent while the broader Topix was off by 0.13 percent. Automakers, with major sectors were pressed down while technology names were traded mixed.
Meanwhile along the Korean Strait, The Kospi traed down by 0.18 percent as declines in heavyweight tech names dragged the index lower despite gains in financials and retailers. Manufacturing stocks were mixed.
Most of Chinese markets also lack direction, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lower by 0.27 percent. Property names and the energy sector drove losses, while the technology sector traded higher.
Markets on mainland China traded higher, with the Shanghai composite holding on to slight gains. The index was found higher by 0.06 percent and the smaller Shenzhen composite added 0.2 percent.
In Australia, The S&P/ASX 200 traded in higher position by 0.2 percent, the index being pulled up by by all its sectors gaining except financial, health care and gold producers.
Trade-related developments were once again in focus, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that the Trump administration was looking to impose tariffs on at least $30 billion of imports from China. Reuters on Tuesday said the figure could be around $60 billion.