The ASEAN bloc of Southeast Asian nations and China on Tuesday signed an upgrade to their free trade agreement, which includes sections on digital, the green economy and other new industries, Beijing's Commerce Ministry said.

Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have signed an expanded free trade agreement as both sides face increased protectionism from the United States.

President Trump told reporters as he flew into Japan that he expects to have a trade agreement with China finalized by the end of his tour of Asia.

Investors sent major global indexes higher on optimism that President Trump and China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, could reach a wider agreement this week.

By Jihoon Lee GYEONGJU, South Korea (Reuters) -South Korea aims to deepen cooperation with the United States, stabilise supply chains with China, and diversify its trading partners to navigate global challenges,

Soybean prices reached a 15-month high Tuesday as the commodity, which makes up the U.S.’ largest agricultural export, is embroiled in the trade war between the U.S. and China that’s affecting American farmers. Soybean prices have risen more than 11% since July last year as the crop has become a major tool in U.S.-China trade negotiations.

China's Sany Heavy Industry traded flat on its Hong Kong trading debut Tuesday after raising HKD$12.36 billion ($1.59 billion) in one of the city's largest listings this year.

By Ishaan Arora and Sherin Elizabeth Varghese (Reuters) -Gold fell more than 2% to a three-week low on Tuesday, as optimism over easing trade tensions lifted risk appetite and squeezed demand for safe-haven bullion,