While investors analyzed the U.S. Federal Reserve’s minutes, which revealed that members remain dedicated to tackling inflation with rate hikes, Asia-Pacific markets were neutral on Thursday.
After nearly a year of rate increases, the Bank of Korea kept interest rates steady at 3.5%, which was in line with forecasts. The Kospi in South Korea closed Thursday 0.9% higher, at 2,439.09, and Samsung Electronics gained roughly 1.5% as a result of the move. At 783.28, the Kosdaq likewise closed 0.6% higher.
In observance of the Emperor’s birthday, Japanese markets were closed on Thursday.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.4% to settle at 7,285.4. The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong fell by 0.3% while the Hang Seng Tech index rose by 1.1%.
The Shanghai Composite dropped 0.11% to conclude at 3,287.47, while the Shenzhen Component in mainland China finished 0.13% lower at 11,884.3.
| TICKER | COMPANY | NAME | PRICE | CHANGE | %CHANGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikkei 225 Index | *NIKKEI | 27104.32 | -368.78 | -1.34 | |
| Hang Seng Index | *HSI | 20351.35 | -72.49 | -0.35 | |
| S&P/ASX 200 | *ASX 200 | 7285.4 | -29.1 | -0.4 | |
| Shanghai | *SHANGHAI | 3287.48 | -3.67 | -0.11 | |
| KOSPI Index | *KOSPI | 2439.09 | 21.41 | 0.8 | |
| CNBC 100 ASIA IDX | *CNBC 100 | 8189.08 | 21.53 | 0.26 |
The consumer price indices for Hong Kong and Singapore are anticipated to be released; Singapore’s CPI registered an annualized rate of 6.5% for January.
U.S. markets declined overnight, with the S&P 500 particularly notable for recording a fourth straight day of losses.
The Nasdaq Composite defied the trend and increased to close 0.13% higher, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average likewise finished the day lower.
Source (CNBC)
