Global Markets Mixed with Spotlight on Asia-Pacific Economic Data

Asia-Pacific markets mixed as investors analyze economic data; key indices, commodities, and bond yields fluctuate.

Asian Stock Markets Overview
On Thursday, Asia-Pacific markets experienced mixed performance as investors digested regional economic data and global developments. While some indices posted gains, others lagged due to concerns about slowing growth and inflationary pressures.

The Nikkei 225 in Japan rose 0.95%, driven by economic and technological gains. The Shanghai Composite also saw an uptick of 0.80%, bolstered by Chinese regulators urging state-owned funds to support the market through increased stock purchases. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slipped 0.30%, weighed down by tech losses, and Australia’s ASX 200 fell 0.61%, impacted by weakness in mining and energy stocks.

In South Korea, the Kospi and Kosdaq indices dropped by 0.78% and 0.76%, respectively, as the nation’s GDP growth for Q4 2024 was a mere 1.2% year-on-year, its slowest pace since mid-2023.

Commodities Under Pressure
Commodity markets were broadly weaker. Gold prices slipped 0.26% to $2,759.35 per ounce, while silver dropped 0.80% to $31.15. Crude oil prices were also down, with Brent Oil at $78.79 (-0.19%) and WTI Oil at $75.24 (-0.23%), as concerns over global demand weighed on sentiment.

Bond Yields Hold Steady
In the bond markets, yields remained steady. The US 10-year Treasury yield stood at 4.609%, while the UK and Germany 10-year yields were at 4.6305% and 2.498%, respectively.

North American Markets Lead Gains
US markets showed strength overnight, with the S&P 500 setting an intraday record at 6,100.81 before closing at 6,086.37, up 0.61%. The Nasdaq Composite surged 1.28%, driven by strong earnings from major tech players such as Oracle and Nvidia, which capitalized on growing enthusiasm around artificial intelligence. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.3% to 44,156.73, supported by Procter & Gamble’s impressive earnings.

Key Economic Data
In Canada, inflationary pressures were evident, with the Raw Materials Price Index (RMPI) rising 1.3%, exceeding the expected 0.4%. However, the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI) increased by only 0.2%, falling short of the 0.5% forecast. Investors closely monitor upcoming Canadian retail sales data and US unemployment claims later in the day.

Investor Focus Shifts to Central Banks
Markets are bracing for the Bank of Japan’s policy decision, where Governor Kazuo Ueda has hinted at possible rate hikes. Additionally, Singapore’s December inflation data is due, providing further insight into regional economic health.

Upcoming Events to Watch:

• 01:30 PM GMT: Canadian Core Retail Sales (m/m)
• 01:30 PM GMT: US Weekly Unemployment Claims
• 04:00 PM GMT: President Donald Trump Speech

With central bank moves, corporate earnings, and geopolitical developments shaping sentiment, investors are preparing for continued volatility in global financial markets.

Stay Updated with the Latest Market News. Visit our YouTube Channel for the Latest Forex Analysis.