"Asian Stocks Sink as Fed Minutes and China Tensions Fuel Rate Hike Bets"

Most Asian stocks fell as the minutes of the Federal Reserve's June meeting revealed a hawkish outlook, increasing expectations for more rate hikes. Weak economic signals and fears of a Sino-U.S. trade war also weighed on markets. Technology-heavy indexes in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan were particularly affected. Japanese stocks declined, while Australia's market was hit by concerns over slowing economic growth in China. Chinese stock losses were limited amid hopes for more stimulus measures and fears of a worsening trade conflict with the U.S. Rate hike fears increased, and the focus is now on nonfarm payrolls data for more cues on the Fed's future actions.