Asian markets ended lower on Tuesday as increasingly violent protests in Hong Kong resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights in and out of the financial hub, with the overall unrest showing no clear signs of ending. Market sentiments weakened further with uncertainties surrounding the US-China trade war and Argentine President Mauricio Macri's loss in primary elections sent investors scrambling for safe-haven assets such as the yen, gold and bonds. Japanese shares hit a one-week low as traders returned to their desks after a long holiday weekend. Moreover, Chinese shares ended lower after data showed banks extended fewer-than-expected new yuan loans in July. Reports showing Chinese banks extended 1.06 trillion yuan ($150.06 billion) in new yuan loans in July, down from June and falling short of expectations. Meanwhile, investors awaited key reports on retail sales, industrial production and the jobless rate due on Wednesday for further direction.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 2,797.26 | -17.73 | -0.63 |
Hang Seng | 25,281.30 | -543.42 | -2.10 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,210.96 | -39.64 | -0.63 |
KLSE Composite | 1,592.88 | -22.17 | -1.37 |
Nikkei 225 | 20,455.44 | -229.38 | -1.11 |
Straits Times | 3,146.73 | -22.21 | -0.70 |
KOSPI Composite | 1,925.83 | -16.46 | -0.85 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,362.66 | -109.70 | -1.05 |
