Stock Market Today: Asian Stocks are Mixed ahead of key US Inflation Data

By Evans Momodu
2 minute read


Asian stock markets showed mixed performance on Wednesday as investors awaited critical U.S. consumer inflation data, a key indicator for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions. U.S. stock futures were also mixed, while oil prices saw a modest uptick.

Regional Market Overview

• Hong Kong (Hang Seng): The index declined by 0.8% to 20,182.38, reflecting caution among investors.
• Shanghai (Composite Index): Gained 0.3% to close at 3,432.49, buoyed by optimism from an annual economic policy meeting in Beijing. Chinese leaders signaled a shift to a "moderately loose" monetary stance, raising hopes for stimulus, though analysts remain cautious about any significant policy changes.
• South Korea (Kospi): Continued its recovery from last week’s political uncertainties, rising 1% to 2,442.51.
• Japan (Nikkei 225): Held steady at 39,372.23, as investors digested data showing a 3.7% year-on-year increase in November’s wholesale inflation. This marked the third consecutive monthly rise, adding to speculation that the Bank of Japan may consider adjusting its ultra-low interest rate policy.

The mixed performance comes as global markets focus on U.S. inflation data, which will provide further clues on whether the Federal Reserve will sustain its higher interest rate regime.

In Asia, regional factors, including China’s economic policy adjustments and Japan’s inflation dynamics, also shaped market sentiment.

The U.S. consumer inflation report, expected later in the day, will likely set the tone for markets globally, influencing everything from equity performance to currency movements and bond yields.
Source: AP