Asian stocks fell on Monday, weighed down by escalating geopolitical tensions and fresh trade friction between the US and China.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index (^HSI) led regional losses, sinking 2.2% as renewed sparring between Beijing and Washington spooked investors.
Markets in mainland China were closed for a public holiday, but a doubling of steel tariffs to 50% due to take effect Wednesday is set to hit markets as they reopen Tuesday.
Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 (^N225) declined 1.4%, South Korea’s Kospi (^KS11) shed 0.3% and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 (^AXJO) edged down 0.2%.
