Asian Markets Mixed as Japan Hits Record High on Trade Relief

Asian stocks rose on signs of easing US trade tensions and strong tech earnings, with Japan's Nikkei gaining 2.2%. The US and Europe futures were up, gold surged to an all-time high amid tariffs, and oil declined for the week. The market sentiment is buoyed by speculation of a Federal Reserve rate cut, despite ongoing tariff tensions involving countries like India and Switzerland. Japan benefits from the US ending tariffs and car levies, boosting Japanese automakers and tech companies. Geopolitical tensions continue in Gaza and with Russia, while US political and economic developments, including potential Fed leadership changes, influence market outlooks.