23 July 2025 : On Tuesday, the US stock market closed on a strong note. The S&P 500 index rose by 0.06% to a new record high of 6,309.62, marking its 11th record level in 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also gained 179.37 points or 0.40%, closing at 44,502.44. However, due to weakness in technology stocks, the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 0.39% to close at 20,892.68. Following this, Asian stock markets also saw an upward trend on Wednesday.
It is noteworthy that on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced that a US-Japan trade deal has been finalized. The agreement includes a 15% US tariff on Japanese imports and a $550 billion investment plan. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that the details of the agreement will be thoroughly reviewed.
Japan’s Nikkei index surged by over 1,000 points
Following the announcement of the US-Japan trade agreement, Japan’s major stock index Nikkei 225 witnessed a strong rally. As of 7:45 AM IST, the index had jumped by 1,092.19 points or 2.75%, reaching 40,867.10.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also rose by 119.15 points or 0.47%, reaching 25,249.18.
Summary:
A new US–Japan trade agreement cutting tariffs to 15%, combined with a $550 billion Japanese investment, boosted Asian stocks and propelled US equity futures higher.