Headline: APAC Stocks Drop as Risk-Off Sentiment Spreads; U.S. Futures Edge Higher
Introduction: Asia-Pacific equities retreated in early trading as risk sentiment weakened following a sharp Wall Street selloff. China and Hong Kong led declines, while Japan’s benchmark mirrored the regional downdraft, even as U.S. equity futures signaled a tentative rebound.
Asian markets traded broadly lower, with major China-related indexes under pressure. The Shanghai Composite slipped 0.6%, while the Hang Seng Index fell 1.8%. Mainland tech and growth gauges were hit harder, with the Shenzhen Component down 1.8% and ChiNext off 2.1%, reflecting a broad risk-off tone across the region.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined 1.8%, adding to the region-wide slump as investors trimmed exposure to equities and rotated away from higher-beta names. The pullback follows a difficult U.S. session, which set the tone for overnight sentiment and drove cautious trading across Asia.
Despite weakness in Asia, U.S. stock futures were steadier. S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 contracts rose around 0.4%, hinting at a firmer Wall Street open and suggesting some appetite for dip-buying after the recent volatility.
Key Points: – Asia-Pacific stocks fell broadly, led by China and Hong Kong. – Shanghai Composite -0.6%; Hang Seng Index -1.8%. – Shenzhen Component -1.8%; ChiNext -2.1% amid tech and growth pressure. – Japan’s Nikkei 225 slid 1.8% in line with regional risk-off trade. – U.S. futures steadied, with S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 up about 0.4%. – Markets reflect cautious sentiment after a sharp Wall Street selloff.
