Asia-Pacific markets opened mixed Monday as investors awaited China's rate decision at a time when the yuan has come under pressure due to Beijing-Washington trade tensions.Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 0.43% at the start of the day, while the broader Topix index lost 0.35%.In South Korea, the Kospi index increased 0.11% at the open while the small-cap Kosdaq was flat.Investors will be keeping a watch on the People's Bank of China's loan prime rate verdict, expected later in the day.Australian and Hong Kong markets were closed for the Easter holiday.Investors are focused on U.S....
The Nikkei 225 fell 0.7% to around 34,500, while the broader Topix Index declined 0.5% to 2,545 on Monday, ending a two-day winning streak as investors turned cautious ahead of updates on US-Japan trade talks. In the latest development, Japan is reportedly considering increasing soybean and rice imports as a concession to the US. Last week, American negotiators raised concerns over barriers in Japan's automotive and rice markets, while also pressing Tokyo to expand imports of meat, fish products, and potatoes. With no major domestic economic data or earnings releases scheduled for Monday,...
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Monday as China's central bank held rates at a time when the yuan has come under pressure due to Beijing-Washington trade tensions. Mainland China's CSI 300 rose 0.18% after the People's Bank of China kept its key loan prime rates unchanged at 3.10% for 1-year loan maturities and 3.60% for 5-year loan maturities, in line with the expectations of economists polled by Reuters. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 1.24%, while the broader Topix index declined 1.18%. In South Korea, the Kospi index was flat while the small-cap Kosdaq moved down 0.27% in choppy...