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☆ Investors are eyeing China's neighbors as the recovery from 'zero-Covid' slows
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( Jihye Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesChina's lackluster economic recovery since emerging from strict "zero-Covid" lockdowns has caused weaker sentiment toward the country, prompting investors to look for alternative options — like its near neighbors. Higher targets for JapanForeign investors have undoubtedly been key in driving the Japanese market, maintaining the highest levels the Nikkei has seen since 1990. During the same period last year, foreign investors had sold a net 1.73 trillion yen approximately. Wall Street banks including Morgan Stanley and Societe Generale are among those that are optimistic on Japanese stocks, holding "overweight" positions. Upside for Korea tech stocksSouth Korea is another market closely watched as concerns over China's recovery linger.

Persons: Goldman, Andrew Tilton, Berkshire Hathaway's Warren Buffett, India's, Goldman Sachs, Tilton, Morgan Stanley, ROE, Mike Wilson, we've, Price, Goldman's Tilton, Rhee Chang, Nomura, Chloe Andrieu, Pranjul Bhandari, Bhandari Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, Asia, Pacific, Japan Foreign, Nikkei, Japan's Ministry of Finance, Societe Generale, Equity, U.S, UBS Global Wealth, U.S ., UBS, The Bank of, CNBC, Citi, AFP, Afp, Korea Financial Investment Association, South Korean, Fitch, Ben Advisors Locations: Macau, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Goldman Sachs, Berkshire, South, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wall, Korea, Asia, The Bank of Korea, Fuyang, China's, Anhui, Indonesia

Cranes unload shipping containers from a vessel at the Port of Fremantle in Perth, Australia, on Monday, Aug. 26, 2013. Asia-Pacific markets are set to fall as Wall Street saw a pause in its market rally and the broad market index fluctuated near its highest closing levels since August 2022. China's exports fell further than than expected and Australia's central bank defied market expectations by delivering a 25 basis-point hike. South Korea's Kospi inched down 0.23% in early trade, while the Kosdaq saw a larger loss at 0.43%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index is also set to fall after a brief rally on Wednesday, with futures at 19,116 compared to the HSI's close of 19,252.

Organizations: Port, Nikkei, Reuters, Bank of Locations: Fremantle, Perth, Australia, Asia, Pacific, Japan, Bank of India

People are reflected in an electronic quotation board displaying the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average (top) as they cross a street in Tokyo on May 17, 2023. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP) (Photo by KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)Asia-Pacific markets were mostly higher on Thursday ahead of a final vote on the bill to raise the U.S. debt ceiling after it passed a key procedural hurdle in the House overnight. Private surveys for factory activity data for China, Japan, South Korea as well as several Asean countries will be released later today. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 saw a 0.18% gain after it retreated from the 31,000 mark on Wednesday, with the Topix also up by 0.22%. HSI futures stood at the lowest the index has been since Nov 28, 2022.

Persons: Kazuhiro NOGI, KAZUHIRO NOGI, Australia's Organizations: Nikkei, Getty Images, Asean Locations: Tokyo, AFP, Asia, Pacific, China, Japan, South Korea

A pedestrian looks at an electronic quotation board showing numbers of the Nikkei 225 index in Tokyo on September 11, 2020. Asia-Pacific markets are mixed after Wall Street saw a tech rally led by Nvidia, and U.S. negotiators moved closer to a debt ceiling deal with just a week to go before the government faces a potential default. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.31% to end the day at 30,916 after surpassing the 31,000 mark earlier in the day. South Korea's Kospi rose 0.16% to end at 2,558.81, reversing losses from Thursday , while the Kosdaq was down 0.53% and finished at 843.23. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 closed 0.23% at 7.154.8 after reversing earlier losses and snapping a four day losing streak.

Organizations: Nikkei, Nvidia, U.S, Shanghai, Shenzhen Component Locations: Tokyo, Asia, Pacific, Japan, Australia, Shenzhen, 10.909.65

(Photo by Ed JONES / AFP)Hong Kong's Hang Seng index led losses in Asia on Thursday, falling about 2% to close at 18,746.92 — the lowest level this year. Mainland Chinese markets also fell, with the Shanghai Composite down 0.11% to finish at 3,201.26, its lowest close in over four months. The Shenzhen Component closed 0.22% lower at 10,896.48 in its third straight day of losses. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 declined 1.07% to end at 7,136.9 and record its fourth straight day of losses. The index also hit its lowest level in about two months.

Persons: Ed JONES, Hong, Australia's Organizations: Lotte, Shenzhen Component, Bank of Korea, Nikkei Locations: Seoul, AFP, Asia, Shanghai, Pacific, Japan

☆ Asia markets slide: Shanghai shares hit 4-month low; Japan, HK post second-straight daily loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-24 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Asia-Pacific markets slid Wednesday, with the Shanghai Composite ending down 1.28% at 3,204.75, its lowest level since Jan 13. The Shenzhen Component closed 0.84% lower at 10,920, erasing all its gains this year to sink to lowest since Dec 23 last year. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index posted a second-straight daily loss, closing down 1.77% at 19,087, while the Hang Seng Tech index shed 2.1%. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.63% at 7,213.8, its lowest closing level since last Wednesday. The country also saw its retail sales volume fall 4.1% year-on-year in the first quarter, the second straight quarterly contraction following a 4% fall in the quarter ended December.

Persons: Kospi Organizations: Shanghai, Shenzhen Component, Hang Seng, Nikkei, Reuters, New, New Zealand, U.S Locations: Asia, Pacific, Japan, Australia, New Zealand

☆ Japan stocks snap seven-day winning streak as Hong Kong sinks to 2-month low
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-23 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

(Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP) (Photo by KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)Asia-Pacific markets mostly slid on Tuesday as talks between U.S President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ended without a deal. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he had a "productive" and "professional" meeting, and said "I think the tone tonight was better than any other night we've had discussions," McCarthy said outside the West Wing following the hourlong meeting. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 closed 0.42% down at 30,957, snapping its seven day winning streak. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index reversed earlier gains and to sink 1.27% to 19,428.08, its lowest closing levels since March 21, while mainland Chinese markets also traded lower. The Shanghai Composite closed down 1.52% at 3,246.24 while the Shenzhen Composite ended down 1.03% at 11,012.58.

Persons: Kazuhiro NOGI, KAZUHIRO NOGI, Joe Biden, Kevin McCarthy, we've, McCarthy, Kospi Organizations: Nikkei, Getty Images, U.S, Wing, Juno Bank Locations: Tokyo, AFP, Asia, Pacific, Japan, Australia, Shanghai, Shenzhen

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Monday after the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima concluded and talks on the debt ceiling are slated to resume in the U.S. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 slid 0.11% and the Topix traded close to the flatline following its outperformance last week. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was marginally lower, while South Korea's Kospi was fractionally higher. In contrast, the Kosdaq saw a loss of 0.34%Hong Kong's Hang Seng index looks to slightly fall, with futures at 19,410 compared to its close of 19,450.57. China's 1-year and 5-year loan prime rates for May are scheduled to be released later in the day.

Asia-Pacific markets are set to rise on hopes of U.S President Joe Biden and congressional leaders inching closer to a deal to raise the U.S. debt ceiling and avoid a default. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that a "better process" is now in place for further talks, saying it's "possible to get a deal by the end of the week." Biden shortened his trip to Asia to focus on the negotiations, the White House said. South Korea's Kospi gained 0.66% and the Kosdaq gained 0.77% in Asia's morning trade. Stocks in Australia also rose, with the S&P/ASX 200 up 0.74% as investors await the economy's unemployment figures for April.

Asia-Pacific markets are trading mixed as the region looks to economic data from several countries, including Japan and Australia. South Korea's Kospi traded close to the flatline on Wednesday, while the Kosdaq saw a 0.49% gain. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.79%, dragged by mining stocks as investors await the nation's wage price index later today. The wage price index measures changes in the price of labor in Australia, and is a key metric when the country considers its monetary policy. In Hong Kong, futures for the Hang Seng index were at 19,884, lower than the HSI's last close of 19,978.25.

The view from the observation deck at Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, China, on Sunday, April 9, 2023. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesAsia-Pacific markets are set to rise ahead of key economic releases from China. Compared to a low base seen in April a year ago, market watchers are largely expecting a rebound in growth. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite and the Shenzhen Component saw their best days since May 8 and March 20, respectively. South Korea's Kospi and Kosdaq also saw gains on Tuesday, advancing 0.66% and 0.75% respectively, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.15%.

Asia-Pacific markets are trading mixed after two out of three major U.S. indexes recorded a second straight week of losses, fueled by concern over the U.S. debt ceiling and disappointing economic data. U.S. President Joe Biden and congressional leaders postponed a meeting set for Friday to the following week. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 opened marginally lower, along with South Korea's Kospi and Kosdaq, which lost 0.24% and 1.02% respectively. Japan's Nikkei 225 was up 0.51%, with the Topix also 0.5% higher on Monday. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index looks set for a lower open, with contracts tied to the index at 19,421 compared to the HSI's last close of 19,627.

SHANGHAI, CHINA - MARCH 7, 2023 - The Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower and World Financial Center are seen on Lujiazui Street, Shanghai, China, March 7, 2023. Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed after Wall Street saw a tech rally as U.S. consumer price index rose less than expected for April. The consumer price index showed a reading of 4.9%, slightly less than the 5% gain anticipated by economists polled by Dow Jones. Investors in Asia will be closely watching the inflation print from China for April as well later Thursday, forecasted to come in at 0.3%, according to a Reuters poll of economists. Futures tied to Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 19,725, lower than the HSI's last close of 19,762.

☆ Asia markets set to fall as investors await key U.S. inflation numbers
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Asia-Pacific markets fell on Wednesday as investors look ahead to U.S. inflation figures for clues on the path ahead for inflation and by extension, the U.S. Federal Reserve's moves. Economists polled by Dow Jones expect inflation to have increased 0.4% month-over-month in April, and 5% year-over-year. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.31%, after the country delivered its budget Tuesday night. Mitsubishi Corp recorded record earnings for a second-straight year, with net profit coming in above 1 trillion yen for the first time at 1.18 trillion yen ($8.72 billion)South Korea's Kospi inched down 0.14%, while the Kospi bucked the wider downtrend and gained 0.3%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index looks set to extend its Tuesday losses, with futures tied to the Hang Seng trading at 19,850 compared with its last close of 19,867.58.

☆ Asian stocks edge lower amid gloomy China data as US CPI looms
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Kevin Buckland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

TOKYO, May 9 (Reuters) - Asian stocks eased back from more than two-week highs on Tuesday as traders squared positions heading into a key U.S. inflation report, while gloomy Chinese trade data also kept risk sentiment in check. Mainland Chinese blue chips (.CSI300) turned lower after early gains, with the benchmark CSI 300 dropping 0.8%. "So when you have some trend data which is not as good as people expect, it raises doubts," he said. "The surprise lies on the downside" for the inflation data, particularly the risk of a drop below 5%, said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG markets. Brent crude was down 30 cents at $76.71 and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 26 cents to $72.90.

☆ Asian stocks edge lower, dollar firm as US inflation data looms
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Kevin Buckland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS), though, slipped 0.3%, erasing part of Monday's 0.9% rally. Hong Kong's Hang Seng (.HSI) dropped 0.4%, while Australia's benchmark (.AXJO) lost 0.2% and South Korea's Kospi declined 0.4%. Investors were mostly unmoved by Chinese data showing exports surged last month while imports eased. "The surprise lies on the downside" for the inflation data, particularly the risk of a drop below 5%, said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG markets. The dollar index , which measures the currency against six major peers, was little changed after earlier rising overnight from near the bottom of its trading range since the middle of last month.

A general view of the container terminal in Qianwan of Qingdao Port, a port in Shandong Province, China, March 17, 2023. Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed ahead of China's April trade data release as well as U.S. inflation reports later this week. China is projected to record a trade surplus of $74.3 billion, lower than the $88.2 billion in March, according to a Reuters poll. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.33% and South Korea's Kospi was 0.21% down, with the Kosdaq also shedding 0.39%. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 20,222, signaling a lower open compared with its last close of 20,297.03.

The US Federal Reserve Building is seen in Washington, DC, May 3, 2023. However, the Fed did hint at a possible pause to hikes. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.24%, ahead of the country's March trade data due later Wednesday. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index were also lower standing at 19,656, compared to its last close of 19,699.16. Mainland Chinese markets are set to reopen after the Labor Day holiday, while Japanese markets are closed for a holiday Thursday.

Asia-Pacific markets are set to fall Wednesday as investors look ahead to the U.S Federal Reserve's policy decision due out early Thursday morning in Asia. A Reuters poll found 94 out of 105 economists said they expect the Fed to hike rates by 25 basis points, with the remainder forecasting a pause. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 opened 0.21% lower, while South Korea's Kospi dropped 0.55% and the Kosdaq saw a larger loss, falling 0.85%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index is also set for a lower open, with futures tied to the index standing at 19,624 compared to its last close of 19,933.81. Markets in Japan and mainland China are closed for a holiday Wednesday.

A pedestrian passes the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) building in Sydney, Australia, on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. Asia-Pacific markets are largely higher as most markets reopen after the long Labor Day weekend. For Tuesday, investors will be closely watching Australia's central's bank to see if it will continue to hike interest rates, having held the benchmark policy rate at 3.6% in their last meeting. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was 0.15% lower as investors await the country's central bank decision on whether it will continue to hike rates. South Korea's Kospi rose 0.74%, while the Kosdaq climbed 0.75% after the country saw its inflation rate slow to a 14-month low of 3.7%.

☆ Asia markets lower as new Bank of Japan chief chairs first policy meeting
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A Japanese national flag flies outside the Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, on Sept. 27, 2021. The Japanese central bank has for years adopted ultra-easy monetary policy in a bid to achieve its ever elusive inflation target. Asia-Pacific market were lower on Thursday as investors focus on the Bank of Japan's first policy meeting led by new BOJ governor Kazuo Ueda. Ueda is expected to maintain the ultra loose monetary policy of predecessor Haruhiko Kuroda for now, but expectations are that he will plot a path out of this policy in the future, according to media reports. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index also seems set for a lower open as futures tied to the index traded at 19,735, compared to the 19,757 close on Wednesday.

☆ Asia markets mixed as Wall Street banking fears reignite
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Asia-Pacific markets were trading mixed on Wednesday after banking fears were reignited on Wall Street. Investors were also watching Australia's inflation numbers for the first quarter of 2023, which slowed to 7% year-on-year, down from a 23-year high of 7.8% the previous quarter. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 fell 0.71% to end the day at 28,416.47 , and the Topix dropped 0.89% to finish at 2,023.9. Mainland Chinese markets ended mixed, with the Shenzhen Component up 0.33% to finish at 11,185.68 and the Shanghai Composite closing 0.02% lower at 3,264.1 . Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed 0.7% up, while the Hang Seng Tech index rose 1.32%.

☆ Hong Kong falls 2%, leading losses in Asia as investors await Big Tech earnings
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Hong Kong markets led losses in Asia on Tuesday, with the Hang Seng sliding 1.97% as Asian stocks largely fell ahead of earnings from Big Tech firms. The Hang Seng Tech index saw a larger loss, tumbling 4% as technology stocks led losses on the HSI. Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta are among the high-interest names scheduled to announce their results for the first quarter. "Everyone's just waiting for tech earnings," said Chris Harvey, head of equity strategy at Wells Fargo Securities. "This is a very, very busy week for earnings, so we're just treading water."

☆ Asia-Pacific markets open mixed after Wall Street posts weekly loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

People picnic on the green roof of Marina Barrage in Singapore on Oct. 10, 2022. Asia-Pacific markets are trading mixed on Monday, ahead of a busy week of key economic releases in the region. Japanese markets were all higher, with the Nikkei 225 and the Topix both higher by 0.2%. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.26%, while South Korea's Kospi slid 0.37% and the Kosdaq was slightly above the flatline. Some Southeast Asian markets are closed today for a holiday, including Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

☆ Asia Pacific markets mixed as Japan's core inflation holds steady
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A man pushes a trolley across a street in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on November 22, 2022. Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Friday as Japan's core inflation for March came in at 3.1%, unchanged from February, data from the Statistics Bureau showed. This is the second straight month of slowing inflation after Japan's headline inflation hit a 41-year high of 4.3% in January. Private surveys for Japan and Australia's purchasing manager's index showed that factory activity in both countries continued to expand, powered by their respective services sectors. Hong Kong will also release its inflation data for March, which is expected to come in at 1.8%.

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