Asian stocks extended a global downturn on Tuesday, while the safe-haven yen rose as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on Chinese goods in an escalating tit-for-tat trade war between the world`s two biggest economies that has rattled financial markets.
Trump warned on Monday that Washington would impose a 10 percent tariff on $200 billion of Chinese goods after Beijing`s decision to raise tariffs on $50 billion in U.S. goods. Trump said if China increases its tariffs again in response to the latest U.S. move, "we will meet that action by pursuing additional tariffs on another $200 billion of goods."
The retaliatory moves come after Trump said last week he was pushing ahead with tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese imports.
The trade frictions have kept financial markets on edge, with investors increasingly worried that a full-blown trade conflict could derail global growth.
S&P 500 futures
MSCI`s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan <.miapj0000pus> dipped 0.1 percent.
Japan`s Nikkei <.n225> lost 0.45 percent, South Korea`s KOSPI <.ks11> edged down 0.1 percent while Australian stocks <.axjo> added 0.3 percent.
The dollar fell 0.45 percent to 110.06 yen
"The financial markets are trying to gain a breather after last week, when there were many news events, but U.S.-China trade remains a lingering theme, at least until the U.S. tariffs take effect early in July," said Masahiro Ichikawa, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Asset Management in Tokyo.
"While trade tensions are not a positive theme, the market has become accustomed to President Trump`s comments, which appear to be negotiating tactics."
The euro was 0.05 percent higher at $1.1631
In commodities, crude oil markets remained volatile ahead of Friday`s OPEC meeting at a time when Russia and Saudi Arabia are pushing for higher output.
Brent crude futures
(This article has not been edited by Zeebiz editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
06:00 AM IST