Hong Kong markets lead losses in Asia-Pacific as investors assess Trump’s tariff threats

Asia-Pacific markets fell Tuesday as investors reacted to President Trump’s tariff threats and his move to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Trump warned of steep levies on China’s rare‑earth exports and on countries with digital taxes. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng led regional losses, sliding 1.18%, while Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.97% and South Korea’s Kospi dropped 0.95%. Australia and India also declined. U.S. futures dipped after Wall Street closed lower overnight, with the Dow down 0.77%, the S&P 500 off 0.43%, and the Nasdaq slipping 0.22%, CNBC has reported. Investors now await Nvidia’s earnings and new U.S. inflation data.