Asian markets settled on a mixed note on Monday as investors are in cautious mood ahead of a Federal Reserve policy meeting later this week. Data showed US consumer inflation rose 6.8% year-over-year in November, reflecting the biggest jump since June of 1982 amid supply chain snarls and shortages. Another big rise in US inflation fuelled fears that the Federal Reserve would accelerate the pace of tapering its asset purchases this week. Chinese shares gained, while the yuan currency advanced after the nation's top decision makers signalled policies may become more pro-growth next year. Japanese shares rose with growing hopes of an economic recovery and after data showed the country's core machinery orders rose in October for the first time in three months.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,681.08 | 14.73 | 0.40 |
Hang Seng | 23,954.58 | -41.14 | -0.17 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,662.87 | 9.95 | 0.15 |
KLSE Composite | 1,496.47 | 7.59 | 0.51 |
Nikkei 225 | 28,640.49 | 202.72 | 0.71 |
Straits Times | 3,124.66 | -10.95 | -0.35 |
KOSPI Composite | 3,001.66 | -8.57 | -0.28 |
Taiwan Weighted | 17,767.60 | -58.66 | -0.33 |
