Asian markets drift as traders shift into holiday mode

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Hong Kong, Dec 24 (AFP/APP): Asian markets were muted in thinned business Tuesday as investors across the region traded with an eye on the early finish ahead of the Christmas break.

Another record lead from Wall Street was unable to spur another rally, though analysts are optimistic the new year could start on a positive note with China-US trade tensions dialled down and the economic outlook improving.

With many bourses due to close early ahead of the festive holiday, turnover was shallow and morning business markets swung back and forth.

Hong Kong and Tokyo were each 0.1 percent lower, while Shanghai rose 0.2 percent.

Singapore, Seoul and Taipei each dipped slightly while Wellington posted gains of 0.8 percent as the mini pact between China and the US continues to provide support.

The two economic superpowers are expected to sign off the deal early next month.

China’s announcement Monday that it will cut tariffs on hundreds of imported goods from around the world added to the positive sentiment.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s pledge to further reduce the amount of cash banks must keep in reserve — freeing up billions of dollars for lending — provided further support.

“News that China intends to lower import tariffs on a wide range of goods along with comments from Premier Li Keqiang confirming the government will continue to introduce measures to lower borrowing costs have helped sentiment,” said National Australia Bank’s Rodrigo Catril.

While world markets have had a bumpy ride from the ups and downs of the trade row this year, many are due to end it with huge gains, with Tokyo, Sydney and Shanghai up by about a fifth.

Hong Kong, which has also been battered by months of sometimes violent protests, managed to squeeze out gains of around eight percent.

– Key figures around 0150 GMT –

Tokyo – Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.1 percent at 23,797.03
Hong Kong – Hang Seng: DOWN 0.1 percent at 27,875.65
Shanghai – Composite: UP 0.2 percent at 2,968.43
Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2941 from $1.2935 at 2200 GMT
Euro/pound: UP at 85.71 pence from 85.70 pence
Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1091 from $1.1088
Dollar/yen: UP at 109.41 yen from 109.39 yen
Brent North Sea crude: UP six cents at $66.45 per barrel
West Texas Intermediate: UP four cents at $60.56 per barrel
New York – Dow: UP 0.3 percent at 28,551.53 (close)
London – FTSE 100: UP 0.5 percent at 7,623.59 (close)

 

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