China's generally positive economic data painted a positive picture for the start of 2026 as retail sales, industrial production, and overall fixed-asset investment advanced in the first two months.
Japan's benchmark indexes trimmed weekly gains for the second consecutive session amid worries of resurgent inflation driven by imported energy products.
China's indexes trimmed weekly gains to 2%, crude oil prices soared to multi-year highs, and tensions in the Middle East are likely to remain elevated in the weeks ahead.
Japan's benchmark indexes rebounded on speculation that energy product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could resume sooner than previously expected.
China's stocks rebounded, reflecting Asia-wide gains after crude oil prices plunged. China's trade surplus in the Jan-Feb period soared, driven by a rise in exports to the ASEAN region, the European Union, Latin America, and Africa.
Benchmark indexes in China and Asia plunged after key oil producers in the Middle East curtailed oil production and Israel struck Iran's oil infrastructure over the weekend.
China's benchmark indexes trimmed weekly losses, and policymakers continued to debate measures to improve economic strength and military modernization.
Japan's indexes recovered from losses earlier in the week, and the central bank chief signaled interest rates may remain unchanged for a prolonged period of time.
China indexes rebounded, tracking gains in overnight trading in New York. The uncertainty surrounding the wider conflict in the Middle East capped the gains.
Japan's indexes extended this week's losses to 10% as the U.S.-Iran conflict drags on. Markets in Asia plunged between 2% and 8% following the surge in crude oil and natural gas prices.
