Asian markets experienced mostly positive gains during thin Good Friday trading, contrasting with Wall Street’s struggles amid trade war uncertainties. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.3%, largely due to UnitedHealth’s significant loss in value following a disappointing profit report. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s Kospi both showed increases. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) reported stable customer activity despite the ongoing trade war, though it remains cautious about potential tariff impacts. Oil-and-gas stocks rallied as crude prices recovered some losses. U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies continue to create economic uncertainty, though he has signaled possible negotiations to reduce tariffs. — new from AP News
