Asian stock markets displayed a mixed pattern in their recent trading sessions, with investors closely monitoring economic developments in China and India. Here’s a breakdown of the performance in key markets across the region:
Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo’s Nikkei index experienced its third consecutive day of negative performance, closing at 32,467.76 points. This represented a decline of 139.08 points or -0.43%. The dip was influenced by rising long-term government bond yields, which reached their highest levels in nearly a decade. This surge in bond yields exerted selling pressure on technology stocks. Investors are also keeping a keen eye on the upcoming release of US inflation data later in the week.
Sydney, Australia: In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 index ended on a positive note, closing at 7,192.30 points, reflecting a gain of 35.60 points or +0.50%. The All Ordinaries index also posted a modest increase, closing at 7,387.80 points, up 29.70 points or +0.40%. These gains were supported by optimistic sentiments surrounding the Chinese economic outlook. China is a crucial trading partner for Australia, and news that China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) began recovering in August had a positive impact on Australian markets.
Shanghai, China: China’s Shanghai Composite index displayed a positive performance, closing at 3,142.78 points, marking a gain of 26.06 points or +0.84%. This rise was underpinned by reports of a larger-than-expected increase in loan lending during August, along with expectations that the Chinese government may expedite the issuance of additional economic stimulus measures.
Seoul, South Korea: The South Korean Composite (KOSPI) index closed slightly in the green at 2,556.88 points, up 9.2 points or +0.36%. This followed four consecutive days of negative closes. The South Korean won also strengthened against the US dollar. Investors are eagerly awaiting key economic data releases scheduled for the week, which could impact market sentiment.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index closed lower at 18,096.45 points, down 105.62 points or -0.58%. Investors in Hong Kong are closely monitoring the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for August in the United States, set for September 13. This data will be instrumental in assessing the potential interest rate direction of the US Federal Reserve (Fed) ahead of the Fed Committee’s monetary policy meeting scheduled for September 19-20.
As Asian markets navigate various economic factors and data releases, investors remain vigilant, and market dynamics continue to evolve in response to both local and global developments.