Asian equity markets closed mostly lower on Thursday as geopolitical tensions persisted, the yen stayed firm and oil struggled for direction after rising on Wednesday on EIA data showing a sharp decline in crude inventory for sixth week in a row. Meanwhile, investors looked ahead to US producer and consumer inflation data due this week for additional clues on the Fed's rate outlook. Japanese shares ended marginally lower as the yen remained stronger against the dollar and official data showed Japan's core machinery orders, an indicator of capital spending, unexpectedly fell for a third consecutive month in June, underscoring the fragile nature of the country's export-driven economic recovery. Further, Chinese shares ended lower as material stocks succumbed to profit taking after recent sharp gains.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,261.75 | -13.82 | -0.42 |
Hang Seng | 27,444.00 | -313.09 | -1.13 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,825.95 | 1.94 | 0.03 |
KLSE Composite | 1,777.77 | -0.17 | -0.01 |
Nikkei 225 | 19,729.74 | -8.97 | -0.05 |
Straits Times | 3,323.24 | 5.16 | 0.16 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,359.47 | -8.92 | -0.38 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,329.74 | -140.64 | -1.34 |