Stock markets in Asia experienced a significant retreat on Friday, with key benchmarks in Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea declining by more than 2%. This downward trend followed a sharp fall in Wall Street indexes driven by skepticism surrounding the hype surrounding artificial intelligence technology. Investor confidence was further shaken by US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff imposition on imports from Mexico and Canada, along with a doubling of tariffs on Chinese goods to 20%. These developments left investors reeling as uncertainty loomed over the global economic landscape. The article highlights the impact of these geopolitical and trade tensions on the financial markets, underscoring the interconnected nature of international trade and its influence on investor sentiment. The events discussed serve as a reminder of the volatility and unpredictability inherent in today’s global economy, emphasizing the importance of closely monitoring geopolitical developments and their potential ramifications on investment decisions. Published on [timestamp].