Asian markets end week lower after rollercoaster ride

MAJOR Asian equities ended a rollercoaster week lower, initially lifted by optimistic US-Mexico Nafta (North American Free Trade Agreement) talks earlier in the week, but overshadowed by global trade concerns thereafter.

Market sentiment was dampened further after US President Donald Trump, in an exclusive Bloomberg interview on Thursday, threatened to withdraw the US from the World Trade Organization (WTO).

He also intends to ramp up the trade war with China by imposing a further US$200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods as soon as the public comment period ends next week on Sept 5, pouring rhetorical fuel on the trade war fire.