The Asia-Pacific markets opened with a mixed performance on Monday as investors eagerly awaited key economic data releases from both the U.S. and China later in the week. Overnight election results in France added to the uncertainty, as the left-wing New Popular Front coalition clinched the largest number of seats but fell short of an absolute majority, signaling a hung parliament.
Investors are particularly focused on the upcoming U.S. consumer price index reading scheduled for Thursday, as it will provide valuable insights into the Federal Reserve’s interest rate trajectory. Additionally, China’s inflation figures due on Wednesday will offer clues about the state of the country’s economic recovery. Central bank decisions from South Korea, New Zealand, and Malaysia are also on the agenda this week, although most economists do not anticipate any changes.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 saw marginal losses, while the broader Topix index dropped by 0.36%. Real wages in Japan have continued to decline for the 26th consecutive month, with data showing a 1.4% year-on-year decrease in May. South Korea’s Kospi was trading near the flatline, with the Kosdaq posting a modest gain of 0.86%. Despite the impending three-day strike by Samsung Electronics’ largest union, shares of the tech giant managed to rise by 0.46%.
The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong dropped by 0.46%, while the mainland Chinese CSI300 slid by 0.3%, marking its lowest level since February and enduring its fifth consecutive day of losses. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 slipped by 0.36%, heading for a second day of declines.
In contrast to the global uncertainty, the U.S. markets closed at record highs on Friday, with both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite reaching new peaks. The positive performance was driven by the latest jobs report, which reignited hopes for potential rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 advanced by 0.54%, closing at 5,567.19, while the Nasdaq surged by 0.90% to end at 18,352.76. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted gains, rising by 0.17%.
As global markets continue to navigate through uncertainties and eagerly await key economic data releases, investors are advised to stay informed and vigilant in their decision-making processes.
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