NEW YORK: Asian equities fluctuated in early trade as the threat of a broader global trade war and geopolitical uncertainty outweighed a rally in chipmakers that drove the S&P 500 to a record.
Equity indexes in Japan swung between gains and losses as automakers including Toyota Motor Corp. declined. Australian shares fell with National Australia Bank Ltd. sliding by more than eight per cent on a drop in earnings. Futures for Hong Kong and Shanghai pointed to declines. Treasuries were little changed after yields jumped Tuesday (Feb 18).
