Asian markets ended mixed on Monday due to concerns that the US Federal Reserve would hike interest rates in the near future to curb inflation, while worries regarding the Covid-19 pandemic also adding pressure on market sentiments. Volatility in bond markets and a public holiday in the United States also kept investors on edge. Chinese shares settled higher on better-than-expected Chinese GDP data. Data showed that Chinese economy grew faster than expected in the final quarter of 2021 but the growth was still at its weakest pace in one-and-half years, prompting the central bank to unexpectedly cut loan rates. Japanese shares gained as chipmakers followed their US peer higher.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,541.67 | 20.41 | 0.58 |
Hang Seng | 24,218.03 | -165.29 | -0.68 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,645.05 | -48.35 | -0.72 |
KLSE Composite | 1,542.92 | -12.41 | -0.80 |
Nikkei 225 | 28,333.52 | 209.24 | 0.74 |
Straits Times | 3,287.95 | 5.98 | 0.18 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,890.10 | -31.82 | -1.09 |
Taiwan Weighted | 18,525.44 | 122.11 | 0.66 |
