Asian shares experienced gains at the start of the week as investors are waiting for any developments in the US trade negotiations and potential stimulus from China. A regional gauge saw a 0.6% increase, influenced by higher openings in Japanese and Australian markets. Futures for the S&P 500, however, declined by 0.5%. Gold experienced a 0.4% drop as traders adjusted positions amid signs that the metal's rally might have been excessive. Treasuries and the dollar remained stable.

Investors are closely monitoring key economic data set to be released this week, including the Bank of Japan’s rate decision, the US jobs report, and gross domestic product data. These indicators will help determine if the recent market steadiness can persist amid ongoing tariff tensions. US shares achieved their longest advance in three months on Friday, fueled by increasing expectations that the Federal Reserve might ease policy again in the first half of the year due to a softening American economy.

According to Chris Weston from Pepperstone Group Ltd., a cautiously optimistic stance is being adopted as markets approach month-end with significant risk events. While tariff negotiation noise persists, markets are showing reduced sensitivity to tariff headlines.

Traders are also focusing on progress in US trade negotiations, particularly after President Donald Trump suggested that another delay to higher tariffs was unlikely. Asian nations are expected to pursue interim deals to prevent the snapback of the most severe US tariffs before the 90-day grace period concludes in early July. The Trump administration has drafted a framework to manage negotiations with approximately 18 countries, including a template addressing common concerns to guide discussions.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the administration is working on bilateral trade deals with 17 key trading partners, excluding China. Bessent reiterated the argument that China would be compelled to negotiate due to its inability to sustain Trump’s latest tariff level of 145% on Chinese goods.

Some investors remain concerned about whether Wall Street’s history of quick resurrections will continue, focusing on high-frequency data to assess the lasting economic impact of April’s policy disruption. Japanese and Australian stocks opened higher, while US equity-index futures dropped 0.5% in early trading Monday, April 28, 2025.