Asia wrap: All eyes turned to China’s high-stakes legislative meeting

Asian equities pulled back Friday as all eyes turned to China’s high-stakes legislative meeting, where investors are eagerly anticipating bold policy support to kick-start growth. After an initial rally, the CSI 300 Index pared gains, reflecting cautious optimism tempered by uncertainty. Traders are anxiously debating whether the measures expected from the National People’s Congress Standing Committee—the heavyweight decision-making body—will be robust enough to counteract potential tariff shocks from a second Trump presidency.

The market mood is shifting from the Fed to Beijing, which now holds the regional reins on investor sentiment. Speculation is rife that China will unveil a fiscal package worth trillions of yuan, aimed at boosting local government spending and propping up consumer demand. The stakes couldn’t be higher; with Trump’s trade policies casting a long shadow, Beijing’s response could set the tone for Asian markets in the months ahead.

While there’s a glimmer of hope that China has the muscle to weather trade challenges, the economic recovery remains on shaky ground. Without a powerful, confidence-boosting stimulus package, the yuan could be vulnerable to a steep drop, a scenario that would send ripples through regional risk assets.

In the best-case scenario, a strong policy package could shield the economy, providing the momentum to offset potential U.S. tariff pressures and steadying investor nerves. But anything less, and the market’s fragile optimism could evaporate quickly, exposing regional assets to fresh volatility.