Japan's Nikkei 225 gained nearly 0.4% to 20,850.24 in morning trading, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.5% to 6,416.50. South Korea's Kospi was little changed but inched up less than 0.1% to 2,069.75. Hong Kong's Hang Seng added nearly 0.3% to 26,965.28, while the Shanghai Composite lost 1.2% to 26,965.28.
The S&P 500 index gained 17.34 points, or 0.6%, to 2,843.49. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 181.09 points, or 0.7%, to 25,720.66. It briefly climbed 260 points. President Donald Trump said he'll make a decision about ramping up tariffs on China after he speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping this month during the G-20 meeting in Japan, which brings together leaders of developed and developing countries.
The trade dispute with Mexico and China threatens to stifle economic growth in the U.S. and globally. Uncertainty surrounding the trade negotiations has sent many traders fleeing to safer investments, like bonds and gold.