Asian markets trade mixed as investors remain watchful of US-China trade negotiations

Asia-Pacific markets traded on a mixed note on Monday (April 28, 2025) as investors watched for developments in trade discussions between the US and countries in the region. China’s Finance Minister, over the weekend, as per the Google translation of the comment posted on the ministry’s website, said China will resort to more proactive macroeconomic policies for promoting the achievement of the expected growth target for the whole year. Chinese authorities are scheduled to hold a press conference later today.

At the last count, the key MSCI Asia ex Japan index traded higher by 0.2 per cent at 571.88.

Mainland China’s CSI 300 index was up a tad over 0.05 per cent, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.18 per cent.

In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei 225 added 0.51 per cent, while the broader Topix index was up over 1.03 per cent.

Gold prices

Gold prices declined as easing global trade tensions and a stronger dollar weighed on the demand for safe-haven precious yellow metal. At the last count, spot gold internationally was down over 1 per cent at $3,283.94. per ounce. 

Oil prices

Crude oil prices inched up but remained capped amid uncertainty over US-China negotiations and potential OPEC+ supply hikes. At the last count, the Brent crude traded with a cut of 0.2 per cent at $66.75, while the WTI crude was down 0.21 per cent at $62.89 per ounce.