Asia-Pacific markets gained on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested potential talks with Iran, lifting investor sentiment, even as Tehran denies any direct negotiations with Washington.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 sprinted 1,497.34 points, or 2.9%, to 53,749.62.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng hiked 272.34 points, or 1.1%, to 25,335.95.
Speaking at the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump said the U.S. and Iran were “in negotiations right now” and suggested Tehran was keen to strike a peace deal, adding he had stepped back from threats to target Iranian energy infrastructure “based on the fact we’re negotiating.”
Pop Mart shares plunged over 23% despite its annual revenue surging about 185% year on year to 37.12 billion yuan ($5.4 billion U.S.), and adjusted net profit soaring more than 284%.
Morningstar said Pop Mart’s blockbuster growth continues to be driven by its flagship Labubu franchise, warning that the company remains heavily reliant on a narrow set of IPs despite efforts to diversify, with expansion into areas such as licensing and theme park operations carrying elevated execution risks.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 pulled ahead 62.74 points, or 1.4%, to 4,537.46.
In Korea, the Kospi index gained 88.29 points, or 1.6%, to 5,642.21.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index took on 42.11 points, or 0.9%, to 4,904.54
In Taiwan, the Taiex index restored 826.87 points, or 2.5%, to 33,439.11.
In Australia, the ASX climbed 154.91 points, or 1.9%, to 8,534.26.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 recovered 154.91 points, or 1.9%, to 12,929.30.
