Most Asian stock markets closed higher on Tuesday. Markets were supported by the return of Chinese investors after the Lunar New Year holiday, as well as expectations of a softening of US trade policy toward several countries in the region. Hong Kong was the exception, as the technology sector came under significant pressure.

The Shanghai Composite and Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 indices gained 1.1% and 1.3%, respectively. Investors welcomed the US Supreme Court's ruling, which had previously upheld a significant portion of the Donald Trump administration's trade tariffs. Although the president announced the new tariffs under a different legal framework, they were less severe and were not specifically aimed at China. Further fueling optimism were reports of strong consumer activity during the holiday period, which fueled expectations of accelerated economic growth.

The Hang Seng Index fell nearly 2%, the worst performer in the region. Technology and pharmaceutical stocks weighed on the downside. Concerns are heightened by the rapid development of artificial intelligence and potential structural changes in the industry.

South Korea's KOSPI index jumped 1.6%, reaching a new all-time high. Chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix led the way, with their shares reaching new records amid expectations of robust demand from the AI ​​industry.

Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.9%, while the TOPIX gained 0.1%, supported by export companies. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.1%, while Singapore's Straits Times Index lost 0.7%. Indian Nifty 50 futures added around 0.1%.

S&P 500 futures rose 0.3%, with investors focused on NVIDIA Corporation's upcoming earnings report, which could set the tone for the global tech sector.

Despite the temporary improvement in sentiment, President Trump has again warned of the possibility of stricter tariff policies if countries backtrack on previously concluded trade agreements, maintaining an element of uncertainty in markets.