Stocks Stay Range-Bound, Traders and Refiners Eye Venezuelan Oil

The Daybreak Asia podcast addresses geopolitical risks and their impact on Asian markets, beginning with China's potential export controls on rare earths to Japan, a move that could negatively affect the Japanese auto sector. Paul Dobson, Executive Editor for Asia Markets, suggests Japan may de-escalate, but tensions remain. The conversation shifts to increased US military spending and potential responses from Asian nations, particularly regarding defense stocks in Korea and Japan. Dobson also comments on Samsung's better-than-expected results and the overall positive outlook for Asian equity markets, driven by technology, favorable economic conditions, and potential interest rate cuts. Finally, the podcast discusses the implications of potential challenges to President Trump's global tariffs, focusing on Asian trade deals and potential market volatility.