Asian markets trade mostly lower in early deals on Thursday

13 Mar 2025 Evaluate
Asian markets traded mostly lower in early deals on Thursday, pressured by the risk aversion in the market with the heightened fears of a slowdown in the US economy and the impact of trade tensions. Upcoming economic data releases, including US inflation and jobless claims, are contributing to the cautious trading environment as investors await further clarity on economic trends. Sharp sell offs in technological and consumer sector stocks with its global counter partners saddled the domestic indices. Auto sector also plunged following US President Trump's comments about considering import duties on cars, which raised concerns about profitability. Ongoing doubts over China’s ability to meet its economic targets, as outlined in the recently concluded Two Sessions annual meetings also dulled investments. Hang Seng extended its loss from its prior session with the weak global cues. 

Straits Times down by 2.43 points or 0.06% to 3,830.64, Hang Seng narrowed by 173.51 points or 0.74% to 23,426.80, Jakarta Composite slipped by 3.70 points or 0.06% to 6,661.35, KOSPI Index decreased by 0.86 points or 0.03% to 2,573.96, Taiwan Weighted diminished by 172.95 points or 0.78% to 22,105.41, and Shanghai Composite shrunk by 14.90 points or 0.44% to 3,357.02.

On the flip side, Nikkei 225 up by 90.40 points or 0.25% to 36,909.49, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI added by 22.19 points or 1.49% to 1,507.02.

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