Asian markets ended mostly lower on Thursday as continued surge in corona virus infections in the US and Europe fueled doubts about a quick recovery in the global economy. Chinese shares ended lower after the country’s new bank loans fell more than expected on tightened loan quotas. Data from the People’s Bank of China showed Lenders issued 689.8 billion yuan in new yuan loans last month down from 1.9 trillion yuan in September and well short of expectations for 800 billion yuan. Meanwhile, the United States slammed China for the recent disqualification of four Hong Kong opposition lawmakers and said that sanctions will continue to be imposed on those responsible for extinguishing Hong Kong’s freedom. Japanese share ended higher as investors switched back to technology stocks, while positive sentiments were capped by data showing Japan's core machinery orders fell for the first time in three months in September and at a faster-than-expected pace.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,338.68 | -3.52 | -0.11 |
Hang Seng | 26,169.38 | -57.60 | -0.22 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,458.60 | -50.91 | -0.92 |
KLSE Composite | 1,590.78 | 20.70 | 1.32 |
Nikkei 225 | 25,520.88 | 171.28 | 0.68 |
Straits Times | 2,711.90 | -1.38 | -0.05 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,475.62 | -10.25 | -0.41 |
Taiwan Weighted | 13,221.78 | -40.41 | -0.30 |
