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Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Friday as investors in Asia look to the Bank of Japan's policy decision and inflation figures out of Tokyo. Thirteen economists polled by Reuters unanimously forecast that the BOJ will leave its monetary policy unchanged. Tokyo's headline inflation rate for April came in at 1.8%, slowing from the 2.6% in March. Core inflation in the capital — which strips out prices of fresh food — sharply fell to 1.6% from March's 2.4%, missing expectations of 2.2% from economists polled by Reuters. Tokyo inflation data is widely considered as a leading indicator of nationwide trends.

Persons: Cherry Organizations: Nippon Budokan, Bank of, Reuters Locations: Tokyo, Japan, Asia, Pacific

☆ Japanese yen hits fresh 34-year low despite verbal intervention from authorities
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

In this article JPY= Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTThe Japan flag is juxtaposed against a Japanese yen bank note. Javier Ghersi | Moment | Getty ImagesThe yen slipped past 155 against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, touching a new 34-year low against continued strength in the greenback. The weakness comes as the Bank of Japan is due to release its monetary policy decision Friday and in spite of verbal warnings from Japanese authorities. Some market watchers had speculated that the 155 level would prompt intervention after the currency languished at multi-decade lows for a month. The yen has weakened 4.2% since the BOJ's March meeting, worrying Japanese authorities and investors.

Persons: Javier Ghersi, Shusuke Yamada, Jerome Powell, Appio Organizations: U.S, Bank of Japan, BofA Securities, Federal, First Eagle Investments, CNBC, Korean Locations: Japan, South Korea

☆ India markets face an 'inevitable' correction if Modi's election win disappoints, Bernstein says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A worker fixes flags of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party displayed on a hoarding prior in Raipur on April 15, 2024 ahead of the country's upcoming general elections. India's stock markets started the year in record-high territory, much of it supported by pre-election optimism — but as the country kicked off its weeks-long election, Bernstein warned that a market correction could be in place. Market players have been pricing in a victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Modi, who has been prime minister since 2014, is seen as a market-friendly candidate. Nearly one billion eligible voters will decide who fills the 543 contested seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament.

Persons: Bernstein, Narendra Modi's, Modi, Venugopal Garre, Nikhil Arela Organizations: Bharatiya Janata Party Locations: Raipur, India, Lok Sabha

Commercial and residential buildings seen from the rooftop of the Lotte Corp. World Tower at sunset in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. Asia-Pacific markets took a breather after two straight days of rallies, mirroring moves on Wall Street ahead of first-quarter gross domestic product figures from the U.S. due Thursday. In Asia, investors will assess South Korea's advance first-quarter GDP growth of 3.4% year on year, the highest quarterly growth since the fourth quarter of 2021. Separately, the Bank of Japan kicks off its monetary policy meeting Thursday as investors monitor for action against yen weakness. The yen slid past the 155 mark against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday, hitting a fresh 34-year low.

Organizations: Lotte Corp, Bank of Japan, U.S Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Asia, Pacific, U.S

Goldman Sachs' David Kostin expects earnings will be higher this year even amid concerns of margin pressures in the face of higher inflation. Of those companies, Kostin noted, roughly two-thirds have topped expectations on the bottom line, while about one-third beat estimates on the top line. "What that suggests to us is that companies are able and demonstrating the ability to kind of squeak over a little bit margin," Kostin told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" on Tuesday. The chief U.S. equity strategist said he anticipates inflation will eventually move lower this year, and interest rates will come down from their highs, helping to drive earnings growth. "Our forecast is that [the] market rises slowly in line with expectations for earnings," Kostin said.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, David Kostin, Kostin, CNBC's, Sarah Min

Photo taken on January 21, 2024 shows a real estate project under construction in Huai 'an city, Jiangsu province, China. Asia-Pacific markets rebounded from Friday's sell-off as investors look to fresh data points out of China, Japan and South Korea this week. On Friday, markets in the region tumbled after Israel launched a strike at Iran, causing stocks to fall and safe-haven assets to climb. On Monday, investors will monitor China's one-year and five-year loan prime rates. The five-year LPR will be closely watched, as it acts as the peg for most property mortgages.

Persons: Huai Organizations: Israel Locations: Jiangsu province, China, Asia, Pacific, Japan, South Korea, Iran

☆ Tesla slides 3% in premarket, Li Auto sinks 8% as EV makers slash prices amid fierce competition
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Tesla shares sank in premarket trading on Monday, while China's Li Auto plummeted to an 11-month low, after both companies slashed prices of their electric vehicles in various markets amid intense competition. U.S. EV giant Tesla cut the starting price of its Model 3 in China to 231,900 yuan ($32,000) on Sunday, a reduction of 14,000 yuan, as reported by Reuters. The report also said it had slashed prices in other major markets, like Germany. Meanwhile, Li Auto cut prices for its models, including the L7, L8, L9, and the newly launched MEGA SUV, it said on its Weibo account on Monday. Checks by CNBC of both Tesla and Li Auto websites on Monday showed their vehicles were listed at the updated prices.

Persons: Li, Tesla Organizations: U.S, EV, Tesla, Reuters, Li Auto, CNBC Locations: China, Germany

☆ TSMC evacuates some factory lines after Taiwan's strongest earthquake in 25 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

An aerial view shows workers taking down a collapsed building in eastern Taiwan's Hualien county following an earthquake/Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co evacuated some production lines after a major earthquake hit Taiwan early Wednesday. The island was rocked by a massive earthquake that collapsed buildings and prompted tsunami advisories from Japan and the Philippines. A TSMC spokesperson said safety systems were operating normally. "To ensure the safety of personnel, some fabs were evacuated according to company procedure," the person said in a statement, adding that the company was confirming the details of the impact. Shares of TSMC fell 1.5% in early trading.

Organizations: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Locations: Taiwan's Hualien, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines

☆ China and Hong Kong stocks lost nearly $5 trillion in 3 years — more than India's market cap
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Stocks in China and Hong Kong sold off a massive $4.8 trillion in market capitalization since 2021, which according to HSBC, is more than the value of the Indian stock market. The statistic does not bode well for either China or Hong Kong, especially when the National Stock Exchange of India has only grown during the same period. The NSE overtook Hong Kong Stock Exchanges and Clearing to become the fourth largest in the world in January, according to data from the World Federation of Exchanges, and is worth $4.63 trillion, making it the third largest in Asia. This is indicative of how much traction Indian stocks have gained in the last few years, in contrast to declines in both China and Hong Kong. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index performed even worse, with 2023 as its fourth consecutive decline ending the year 13.8% lower.

Persons: bode Organizations: Bombay Stock Exchange, HSBC, National Stock Exchange of, Hong Kong Stock Exchanges, World Federation of Exchanges, Hong Kong . Mainland China's CSI Locations: MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA, Bombay, Mumbai, Stocks, China, Hong Kong, National Stock Exchange of India, Asia, Hong Kong . Mainland

☆ Asia markets fall as shares of electric vehicle makers in focus
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A customer is paying attention to the Chinese stock market at a stock exchange in Hangzhou, China, on January 22, 2024. (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty ImagesAsia-Pacific stocks declined Wednesday after a mixed session, with markets watching for moves in electric vehicle makers. Tesla's first-quarter vehicle deliveries dropped 8.5% from a year ago, sending shares of the U.S. EV maker down 5%. Japan's Nikkei 225 is down over 1.3% on its open, with the broad based Topix 0.82% lower. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 16,907, pointing to a marginally lower open after the index ended more than 2% higher at 16,931.52.

Persons: Tesla's, BYD, Kospi Organizations: Getty, Nurphoto, U.S, U.S . Federal Reserve, Japan's Nikkei Locations: Hangzhou, China, Asia, Pacific, Australia

☆ Japan stocks set to rebound, while most Asia-Pacific markets are closed
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Employees work at the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), operated by Japan Exchange Group Inc. (JPX), in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Japan's stock markets were set to bounce Friday, while most markets in the Asia-Pacific region stay shut for a public holiday. Japan's Nikkei 225 is set to rebound, with the futures contract in Chicago at 40,440 and its counterpart in Osaka at 40,390 against the index's last close of 40,168.07. The Japanese yen will be closely watched during the session amid speculation of a possible intervention after the currency recently hit 34-year lows against the U.S. dollar at 151.97. It last traded near 151.42 against the greenback.

Organizations: Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan Exchange Group Inc, Nikkei, U.S, greenback Locations: Tokyo, Japan, Asia, Pacific, Chicago, Osaka

☆ Standard Chartered says Japan 'very, very close' to yen intervention
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Japan is "very, very close" to intervening in the yen, Steven Englander, head of Global G10 FX research and North America macro strategy at Standard Chartered Bank, told CNBC as the currency languishes at multi-decade lows. "I think we're actually very, very close to them [Japanese authorities] jumping in ... they've already discussed the political consequences and nobody's sitting there asking for a weaker yen," Englander told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Thursday. The Japanese yen traded around 151.47 against the U.S. dollar on Thursday after falling to its weakest level in 34 years at 151.97 in the previous session. Standard Chartered's Englander said potential intervention in the yen would be aimed at buying time for Japanese authorities until the U.S. Federal Reserve starts cutting interest rates or until the Bank of Japan hikes its rates a little more. He further noted that when Japanese authorities last intervened in the yen in 2022, it "worked out pretty well," even though investors were initially skeptical of the effectiveness of such currency intervention.

Persons: Steven Englander, they've, nobody's, Englander, CNBC's, Shunichi Suzuki, Masato Kanda, Yoshimasa Hayashi Organizations: Global, Standard Chartered Bank, CNBC, U.S, Reuters, U.S . Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan Locations: Japan, North America, .

☆ Australia stocks hit record high, most other Asia-Pacific markets set to decline
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

CNBC asked Intrepid Travel and ChatGPT to put together a two-day itinerary to Melbourne City, AustraliaAustralia stocks hit a record high Thursday, while most other Asia-Pacific markets looked set to fall even though Wall Street rallied and the S&P 500 closed at another record high. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.77% to hit an intraday record high of 7,883.90 just moments after opening. The index was higher for a second straight day. All eyes are now on Australia's retail sales data for the month of February, which a Reuters poll expects will rise 0.4%. Investors will also be watching for moves in the Japanese yen after it fell to 151.97 — its weakest level in 34 years against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday.

Organizations: CNBC, Intrepid Travel, U.S Locations: Melbourne City, Australia Australia, Asia, Pacific, Australia

☆ BlackRock's Larry Fink says India's love for gold has done little for its economy and investors
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

India's fondness for gold has neither benefited its economy nor generated decent returns for investors, BlackRock Founder and Chairman Larry Fink said in his annual letter to shareholders of the world's largest asset manager. Nor has investing in gold helped the country's economy," Fink said. The country's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, purchased 4.7 tons of gold in February, taking its gold reserves to an all-time high of 817 tons, according to data from World Gold Council. Kavita Chacko, research head of India at World Gold Council, however, said recent record highs in gold prices could hurt demand for the precious metal in India. Indians' love for gold aside, the country's stock markets have been one of the biggest gainers in the Asia-Pacific region with major institutional investors positive on Indian stocks that have hit record highs multiple times this year.

Persons: Larry Fink, " Fink, Fink, Kavita Chacko, Chacko, — CNBC's Lee Ying Shan Organizations: BlackRock, Reserve Bank of India, World Gold, World Gold Council Locations: India, American, Asia, Pacific

☆ Indian bonds are set to be added to global indexes. Here's why it could be a gamechanger
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

An undated editorial illustration of the Indian rupee and the Indian flag. The decision to include Indian government bonds in two prominent global indexes recently is being viewed as a shot in the arm for the rapidly growing country and is expected to bring in billions of inflows. India's bonds will be added to the JPMorgan Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) in June, the Wall Street lender announced in September. The JPMorgan inclusion is reportedly India's first ever inclusion in a global bond index. JPMorgan has said the inclusion of Indian bonds will be staggered over 10 months, starting from a 1% in June to a maximum 10% weightage in its index in April next year.

Persons: Deepak Agrawal, Agrawal, Goldman Sachs Organizations: JPMorgan Government Bond, Bloomberg, Services, Emerging, Local, Kotak Mutual Fund, CNBC, JPMorgan

The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), operated by Japan Exchange Group Inc. (JPX), in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Kosuke Okahara/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesAsia-Pacific markets were set to fall Tuesday as the U.S. market took a breather following a rally sparked by optimism over the Federal Reserve's interest rate stance at its latest meeting. "We're coming off of a post-FOMC high," he told CNBC, referring to the U.S. Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee meeting last week. "The market is getting more and more vulnerable to a market decline or a pullback in prices." Investors in Asia also await economic data out of Southeast Asia, including Singapore's manufacturing output and Thailand's trade balance.

Persons: Kosuke Okahara, Sam Stovall Organizations: Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan Exchange Group Inc, Bloomberg, Getty Images, Federal, CFRA Research, CNBC, U.S, U.S . Federal Locations: Tokyo, Japan, Getty Images Asia, Pacific, U.S, U.S ., Asia, Southeast Asia

☆ China slams the U.S. for interfering in Arunachal Pradesh border dispute with India
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-21 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A tableau of Arunachal Pradesh state during the Republic Day parade along Kartavya Path in New Delhi, India, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. China slammed the United States for interfering in its border dispute with India, after Washington said it recognized the disputed Arunachal Pradesh as a part of Indian territory. China, which refers to the territory as Zangnan, claims Arunachal Pradesh is part of southern Tibet. India rejects those claims, stating Arunachal Pradesh has always been a part of India. Kugelman pointed out that the U.S. typically refrains from commenting on some Indian border disputes, such as the one with Pakistan over Kashmir.

Persons: Washington, Lin Jian, China's, Narendra Modi, Vedant Patel, Zangnan, Lin, Michael Kugelman, Kugelman Organizations: India's, Foreign Ministry, U.S . State Department, United, LAC, South Asia Institute, Wilson Center, CNBC Locations: Arunachal Pradesh, New Delhi, India, China, United States, Beijing, Indian, Tibet, U.S, Pakistan, Kashmir, Washington

☆ Hong Kong's national security law has analysts divided on its social and economic ramifications
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-20 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Lawmakers, government officials, and Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee are posing for a group photo inside the chamber of the Legislative Council complex after passing the Safeguarding National Security Bill in Hong Kong, China, on March 19, 2024. Hong Kong's new national security bill that seeks to "prevent, suppress and punish espionage activities" has left analysts divided on its social and economic ramifications. Lawmakers in Hong Kong passed the Safeguarding National Security Bill, which has been under scrutiny for provisions such as life imprisonment for 'treason' and 'insurrection,' in a special session on Tuesday. Hong Kong's Legislative Council had introduced the bill known as Article 23 on March 8, and Chief Executive John Lee had urged the need to pass the law "as soon as possible" given an "increasingly complex" geopolitics backdrop. Chiu highlighted that the bill was deliberated on, amended, and passed within 11 days — a record time in Hong Kong's legislative history.

Persons: John Lee, Hong, Dominic Chiu, Chiu, — Organizations: Hong, Legislative, National, China &, Eurasia Group, Hong Kong's Legislative Locations: Hong Kong, China, China & Northeast Asia, Hong Kong's

☆ China tightens regulations on consumer finance companies
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

(Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)China has tightened the screws on consumer finance companies, raising the capital limit for non-bank financial firms which provide small personal loans. The measures announced by the National Financial Regulatory Administration on Tuesday will come into effect April 18. It comes at a time when Beijing is tightening its grip on the financial sector. The new rules stipulate that firms eligible to provide consumer loans — excluding those for home and car purchases — need to have a minimum registered capital of 1 billion yuan ($139 million). Investors of consumer finance firms are divided into main investors and general investors, according to the statement.

Organizations: of, National Committee of, Political Consultative, Getty Images, National Financial Regulatory Administration, Reuters, Investors Locations: BEIJING, CHINA, Beijing, China

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) headquarters is seen beyond the cherry blossoms in Tokyo on March 20, 2023. Asia-Pacific markets were set for a mixed open Monday as investors brace for a week of central bank meetings. The U.S. Federal Reserve will start its Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Tuesday. A Reuters poll of economists is expecting the Fed to hold its benchmark interest rates steady at 5.25% to 5.5%. In Asia, the Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to keep its cash rate steady at 4.35% when it concludes its meeting on Tuesday.

Organizations: Bank of Japan, U.S . Federal Reserve, Open, Reserve Bank of Australia, Bank of England Locations: Tokyo, Asia, Pacific, Europe

☆ South Korea to speed up reforms for boosting shareholder returns and tackling 'Korea discount'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

South Korea's financial regulator will look at speeding up the corporate reforms proposed last month and could reportedly add newer measures, after market players voiced concerns the steps might not be enough to tackle the so-called "Korea discount." The Financial Services Commission held a meeting on Thursday with domestic institutional investors and the country's pension fund, where vice chairman Kim So-young said the schedule for the reforms announced earlier would be speeded up, according to a Reuters report. "We will do our best to announce and implement before the previously planned schedule, as the market's expectations are high." In a statement issued after the meeting, the FSC said that establishing transparent markets, making capital market more accessible and pushing for shareholder returns to boost South Korea's undervalued stock markets. The regulator said it would also encourage institutional investors to "actively communicate with companies about the need to take voluntary measures to enhance valuations."

Persons: Kim So Organizations: Financial Services Commission, FSC Locations: Korea

☆ Canon Electronics leads plunge among Japan's Space One shareholder companies after rocket explodes
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Japan's Canon Electronics shares fell as much as 12.7% on Wednesday after Tokyo-based Space One's small rocket exploded just moments after its maiden launch. If successful, Space One would have been Japan's first company to put a satellite in orbit, according to Reuters. Space One was set up in 2018 by a consortium of Japanese companies including Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace and construction firm Shimizu , along with the government-owned Development Bank of Japan. Space One's shareholder companies fell after the failed launch. IHI and Shimizu fell about 1%, while the banks edged lower.

Persons: Shimizu Organizations: Canon Electronics, Reuters, IHI Aerospace, Development Bank of Japan, Mitsubishi, Mizuho Financial Group Locations: Tokyo, Japan, Shimizu

A man takes photos of a view showing residential and commercial buildings, from an observation deck beneath the YTN Seoul Tower, commonly known as the Namsan Tower, in Seoul on September 3, 2021. Asia-Pacific markets rose after comments from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted that interest rate cuts may not be too distant if inflation signals support policy easing. Speaking to the Senate Banking Committee, Powell didn't offer an exact timeline for rate cuts, but noted they would go down soon. "We're waiting to become more confident that inflation is moving sustainably at 2%. When we do get that confidence, and we're not far from it, it'll be appropriate to begin to dial back the level of restriction," Powell said in response to a question about rates and inflation.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Powell, we're Organizations: U.S . Federal, Senate Banking Locations: Seoul, Asia, Pacific, U.S

☆ Asia markets set for muted session; Apple suppliers to be watched after iPhone sales fall in China
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Investors are paying attention to the stock market at a securities business hall in Fuyang, China, on December 5, 2023. Asia-Pacific markets were set for a muted session Wednesday after a tech slide on Wall Street overnight led by Apple following a report that iPhone sales fell in China. Apple shares slipped almost 3% in U.S. trading after a report from Counterpoint Research found iPhone sales plunged in China in the first six weeks of 2024. Investors will monitor shares of Apple suppliers in Taiwan and South Korea, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung. Investors will also be watching for fourth-quarter GDP data from Australia later in the day.

Organizations: Apple, Research, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Samsung, CSI Locations: Fuyang, China, Asia, Pacific, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia

☆ China EV shares are feeling the heat as price war concerns grow
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

While consumer interest is improving, the "wait for a better price" sentiment continues to constrain sales volumes for EV makers, Ding said. watch nowAt least 30% of China's entire auto market is made up of electric vehicles, with most of those EVs coming from homegrown brands. Hong Kong-listed shares of Li Auto fell 3.9%, while Nio shares dropped 3.6% and Xpeng was down 1.8%. BYD shares were up 0.4%. Despite price cuts announced earlier, Tesla still lost market share in China in January, mainly in the large cities, according to Morgan Stanley.

Persons: Tesla, Yuqian Ding, Ding, Xpeng, Morgan Stanley, Li, Li Auto, SCMP, Zhu Jiangming, Nio, BYD, Bernstein Organizations: Getty, HSBC Qianhai, CNBC, Li Auto, China Morning, Reuters Locations: Hong Kong, China, Stellantis

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