Market news for August 18, 2025: Asian stocks up, oil down before Trump-Zelensky talks; Japan’s Nikkei ends at record high as automakers rise on weaker yen; Indian stocks rally as Modi announces tax cuts; Malaysia ringgit’s rally not over yet as analysts eye rate cuts.

Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.

Written and hosted by: Emily Liu (emilyliu@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

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S2E362: Asian stocks rally, India tax cuts, Ringgit on the rise