[HONG KONG] Asian stocks were mixed on Tuesday (Apr 15) as some stability returned to markets after last week’s rollercoaster ride, with auto firms boosted by Donald Trump’s possible compromise over steep tariffs on the sector.
However, the US president’s unorthodox approach to trade diplomacy continues to fuel uncertainty among investors, with speculation over new levies on high-end technology and pharmaceuticals dampening sentiment.
The announcement last week of exemptions for smartphones, laptops, semiconductors and other electronics – all key Chinese-made products – provided a little comfort, though Trump’s suggestion they would be temporary tempered the optimism.
Traders gave a muted reaction to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s remarks on Monday that a China-US deal could be done in an apparent olive branch as the two economic powerhouses trade tariff threats.
His comments came as Trump has hammered China with…
