From Investing.com: 2024-04-04 22:48:18

Most Asian stocks fell as hawkish signals from Fed officials raised uncertainty over U.S. interest rate cuts. Fears of conflict in the Middle East kept risk appetite subdued, while Chinese market holiday lowered trading volumes. U.S. stock futures were muted in Asian trade.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 sank 2.5% to a two-week low, as yen firmed and profit-taking continued. Export-oriented stocks were hit hardest, as Japan faces uncertainty over inflation and monetary policy. Other Asian stocks followed suit, with South Korea’s Kospi down over 1%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng falling 1.1%.
India’s Nifty 50 and Sensex hit record highs on Thursday, with gains driven by bank and industrial stocks. The RBI meeting on Friday is expected to keep policy rate at 6.5%, with focus on inflation and economic growth outlook. Sentiment also boosted by recovery in small-cap stocks.



Read more at Investing.com: Asian stocks sink as rate jitters worsen ahead of US payrolls data By Investing.com