The Asian markets barring Jakarta Composite concluded Thursday’s trade in red as sentiments remain dampened after activity in China’s factory sector registered an unexpected contraction in January, albeit a mild one. The flash version of the HSBC/Markit China manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to a six-month low of 49.6, down from a final December reading of 50.5. China’s top economic planning body expressed confidence in the country meeting the national economic growth rate target included in its 12th Five-Year (2011-2015) Plan.
Indonesia raised Rp 15 trillion ($1.2 billion) from the sale of bonds, 50% more than its original target of Rp 10 trillion, underscoring investors’ confidence in the country’s fixed-income assets. Bank Indonesia, the country’s central bank, expects inflation to accelerate in January due to floods that have disrupted distribution systems in many areas in the country as well as higher electricity tariffs. Besides, Indonesia’s National Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) expects investment to grow by some 15 percent in 2014, or from about Rp 398 trillion ($32.64 billion) to between Rp 456 and 457 trillion.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 2042.18 | -9.57 | -0.47 |
Hang Seng | 22733.90 | -348.35 | -1.51 |
Jakarta Composite | 4496.04 | 18.55 | 0.41 |
KLSE Composite | 1808.31 | -5.79 | -0.32 |
Nikkei 225 | 15695.89 | -125.07 | -0.79 |
Straits Times | 3100.24 | -33.50 | -1.07 |
KOSPI Composite | 1947.59 | -22.83 | -1.16 |
Taiwan Weighted | 8595.10 | -30.20 | -0.35 |