<h1>Asian markets mixed as investors eye Fed rate cut; Nikkei rises while exports to U.S. fall on tariffs</h1> Asian markets traded mixed as U.S. stocks slipped from record highs amid investor focus on an anticipated Federal Reserve interest-rate cut. Japan's Nikkei rose modestly while exports to the U.S. fell for a fifth straight month, attributed to weaker auto shipments after the U.S. president's higher tariffs on Japanese autos and parts. Regional indices showed varied moves; Wall Street edged down with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq off recent peaks. Investors weighed strong retail spending data and elevated rate-cut expectations, while a $15 billion defamation suit by the U.S. president against a major newspaper and reports of potential corporate deals drove individual stock moves.