Daijiworld Media Network – Tokyo
Tokyo, Aug 18: Asian markets showed mixed trends on Monday as investors turned cautious ahead of Donald Trump’s talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Washington. Shares in Japan edged higher, while those in Australia and South Korea slipped.
S&P 500 futures rose 0.1%, Japan’s Topix gained 0.3%, and Euro Stoxx 50 futures advanced 0.5%. Meanwhile, Brent crude dipped 0.3% after the US-Russia summit ended without escalation, easing fears of supply disruption. The dollar, yen, and euro held steady, while Bitcoin slipped 0.1% to $117,522.
Analysts said market sentiment remains fragile. “Hope is a powerful thing and this outcome will keep the slow grind of higher risk sentiment alive and well,” noted Jordan Rochester of Mizuho Corp.
Zelenskiy, along with European allies, is expected to seek clarity from Trump on security guarantees amid concerns he may push Kyiv into concessions with Moscow. Energy markets also await clarity, with the US holding off on fresh sanctions targeting Russian oil revenues.
Investors are further eyeing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole retreat for guidance on a possible September rate cut. Japanese inflation data and China’s loan prime rates will also be closely watched this week.
On the commodities front, WTI crude fell 0.2% to $62.65 a barrel, while spot gold inched up 0.2% to $3,342.15 an ounce.
Markets remain watchful as geopolitical signals and central bank decisions drive the week’s trading direction.