Global shares were trading mixed on Monday, with investors finding bargains despite concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. In early trading, France's CAC 40 edged up 0.2%, Germany's DAX rose 0.3%, and Britain's FTSE 100 added 0.4%. U.S. shares were also set to drift higher, with Dow futures rising 0.2% and S&P 500 futures gaining 0.3%.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 finished little changed, rising less than 0.1%. The Japanese government reported a record current account surplus last year, highlighting strong returns on overseas investments due to a weak yen and recovering Japanese exports. The current account data grew nearly 30% from the previous year, reaching its highest level since 1985.
In currency trading, the U.S. dollar rose against the Japanese yen, while the euro saw a slight decrease in value.
Nippon Steel, facing opposition to its attempt to buy U.S. Steel, dropped 0.5%. However, the company is reportedly preparing a proposal to invest in U.S. Steel, aiming for a mutually beneficial outcome for both nations.
The Hang Seng index and Shanghai Composite both saw gains, despite Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports. Technology shares rose amid hopes for Chinese stimulus measures, although China has retaliated with tariffs on select American imports and an antitrust investigation into Google.
Trump announced plans to apply 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S., which could impact Asian economies. Markets are bracing for potential turbulence, especially with tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada.
South Korea's Kospi and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 experienced slight losses. Investors are also awaiting earnings reports from Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Corp., amid speculation about their joint holding company talks potentially unraveling.
In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude and Brent crude both saw price increases.
