The Nikkei 225 remained soft, while Taiwan stocks plunged as reports of Nvidia's CEO being dismissed and China risks weighed on sentiment. A decline in Nvidia shares in after-hours trading and renewed geopolitical risks have worsened investor sentiment.
The Nikkei 225, a Tokyo market indicator, was down at 61,032.09, a decline of 216.50 points, or 0.35%, from the previous day. The Taiwan Weighted Index stood at 43,526.88, down 730.27 points, or 1.65%, while the KOSPI stood at 5,341.13, down 34.23 points, or 0.64%. The Nikkei 225 remained broadly soft.
Reports conveyed the view that Nvidia CEO's dismissal would weigh on the market and noted that Nvidia shares fell in after-hours trading. Some technology stocks also declined in Asian markets.
Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his commitment to unifying Taiwan and said he would leave no room for independence activities, worsening market sentiment and sending Taiwan stocks sharply lower.
Concerns over US-China trade relations have resurfaced, while allegations of Chinese espionage and the situation surrounding Taiwan are raising risk awareness across the market.