The Nikkei 225 closed today with a slight increase of +0.26% to 49,512.28. Fundamentally, the Japanese market is in a tug-of-war between positive domestic sentiment and interest rate concerns. On the one hand, Japanese export data is strong (supportive for global-oriented stocks), but on the other hand, the market is increasingly convinced that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates this week—this usually strengthens the yen and can pressure exporter stocks. Additional pressures come from less than ideal industrial activity indicators and fiscal issues: factory activity/machinery...
The Hang Seng Index fell for the second day, dropping 0.8%, or 156.23 to 20,155.05 in Hong Kong. Meituan contributed the most to the index decline, decreasing 2.8%. Hang Lung Properties Ltd. had the largest drop, falling 3.7%. Today, 55 of 83 shares fell, while 26 rose; 3 of 4 sectors were lower, led by commerce and industry stocks. Source : Bloomberg
The Nikkei 225 index edged up 0.01% to close at 39,372 on Wednesday, ending almost flat after weak signals from Wall Street overnight, as investors braced for a key U.S. inflation report. Market sentiment was also affected by mixed economic data from Japan. The Reuters Tankan index turned negative in December, while the BSI manufacturing sentiment reading showed improvement in the fourth quarter. Additionally, data revealed that Japanese producer prices rose at the fastest pace in 16 months in November. Notable performances were seen by index heavyweights Kawasaki Heavy (+10.3%), IHI Corp...
European markets were slightly lower on Wednesday at the session's open, as traders awaited the latest U.S. inflation data. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index traded down 0.2% shortly after the opening bell, with most sectors in negative territory. Zara owner Inditex posted interim nine-month results, flagging that its revenues between Nov. 1 and to Dec. 9 jumped 9% from the same period of last year on a constant currency basis. The U.S consumer price index data will likely influence how the Federal Reserve proceeds on interest rates at its Dec. 17-18 meeting. Economists polled by Dow Jones...
Hong Kong shares rose 138 points, or 0.7%, to 20,447 on Wednesday morning, bouncing back from losses in the previous session as China kicks off its annual economic work meeting later in the day to discuss policy for next year. Meanwhile, the Politburo has hinted at more aggressive stimulus amid a potential trade spat with the US. Economists expect the Chinese government to set a higher budget deficit target of up to 4% of GDP, allowing for more borrowing to support the sluggish economy. However, gains were capped by weak Chinese trade data for November, highlighted by a sharp slowdown in...
The Nikkei 225 index fell 0.2% to around 39,300 on Wednesday, ending a two-day winning streak following Wall Street's overnight decline, as investors braced for a key U.S. inflation report. Market sentiment was also affected by mixed economic data out of Japan. The Reuters Tankan index turned negative in December, while the BSI manufacturing sentiment reading showed improvement in the fourth quarter. Additionally, data revealed that Japanese producer prices rose at the fastest pace in 16 months in November. Technology stocks led the decline, with significant losses from Disco (-3%),...