Japan's Nikkei 225 fell below 70,000 points, down 0.70% on the day.

SK Hynix said it will invest 80 trillion won (about $51.5bn) to build a new NAND flash fab targeted to start operations in 2029 to ease AI-driven storage shortages. The CEO, speaking at an event attended by South Korea's Lee, said construction of the new M17 fab in Cheongju will begin next year. The company also plans a further 20 trillion won investment in a Cheongju packaging plant, aimed for completion by end-2027.

Chancellor Merz said on weapons production that Germany intends to cooperate with the US, but this does not conflict with the goal of achieving greater independence.