Asia-Pacific markets mostly advanced on Wednesday as China announced a 2025 GDP growth target of around 5% and lowered its inflation forecast to “about 2%.” The announcements come amid rising global trade tensions and U.S. tariffs, which have added uncertainty to the economic outlook.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.77%, despite the country’s economy growing 1.3% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, beating expectations. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.37%, and the Topix gained 0.38%. South Korea’s Kospi climbed 1.11%, while the small-cap Kosdaq increased 0.91%.
In China, the CSI 300 rose 0.32%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index surged 1.65%. Investors are closely monitoring China’s annual “Two Sessions” parliamentary meeting for further policy insights.
U.S. markets closed lower, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 1.55% and the S&P 500 recording its worst day of the year.
