Sure, the trade war between the U.S. and China seems to be easing. But, with few details available after three days of midlevel talks, other than the promise of more talks, equity investors are taking a pause.
Chinese officials described the negotiations as "extensive, in-depth and detailed." The U.S. noted a commitment from the Chinese to buy more agricultural goods, energy and manufactured products, while pushing for a way to make sure China delivers on its promises.
For the stock bulls out there, it was good while it lasted. The biggest five-day advance in the MSCI Asia Pacific Index since early November came to a halt Thursday as equity markets across the region traded mixed. As investors assessed the latest developments, the Topix index fell 0.9 percent, while Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea and others moved less than 0.4 percent.