India, July 21 -- Asian shares rose broadly in thin trading on Monday, with Japanese markets closed for a holiday. Investors watched the latest trade developments, with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick saying he was confident the U.S. and the EU could reach a trade deal before August 1.
"That's a hard deadline, so on August 1, the new tariff rates will come in. Nothing stops countries from talking to us after August 1, but they're going to start paying the tariffs on August 1," Lutnick said in an interview with CBS News on Sunday.
The yen held firm as Japan's ruling coalition lost control of the upper house in an election on Sunday, further weakening Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's grip on power.
However, Ishiba announced he has no...