Nikkei futures live eased to 38

Nikkei futures live eased to 38,220 as profit-taking kicked in after three consecutive days of gains. Analysts note resistance around the 38,600 level remains intact. Chinese battery executives told Nikkei Asia that new outbound investments have tapered due to an uncertain geopolitical environment and U.S. President Trump's sweeping tariffs that have upended global trade relations. However, the overseas markets remain more lucrative for many, as a cut-throat price war at home continues. "We're not planning on doing it," he said at a meeting with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the White House. "I don't rule out anything," he added, "but I think it's highly unlikely, unless he has to leave for fraud." Nikkei futures live hovered around 38,360 amid light volume ahead of key US economic reports. Derivatives traders maintain a watch-and-wait stance.