February 17, 2025 - 12:50
Asian shares experienced a mostly positive trading session on Monday as investors remained focused on economic indicators and policy developments from President Donald Trump. These factors are anticipated to significantly influence the decisions of global central banks in the near future.
In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei 225 index saw an uptick in early trading, buoyed by the Cabinet Office's announcement of a stronger-than-expected economic growth rate of 2.8% for the October-December period. This growth was supported by steady export activity and moderate consumer spending.
The report marked Japan's fourth consecutive year of economic expansion, with the country achieving a modest 0.1% growth in seasonally adjusted real gross domestic product (GDP) for the previous year. This metric reflects the overall value of goods and services produced within the nation, highlighting a resilient economy amidst global uncertainties. Investors are cautiously optimistic as they assess these developments and their implications for future market performance.
