Friday 29th November 2024: Asia-Pacific Markets Dip as South Korea Slips, China Leads Gains

Global Markets:

•  Asian Stock Markets : Nikkei down 0.48%, Shanghai Composite down 1.14%, Hang Seng up 0.2% ASX down 0.1%
• Commodities : Gold at $2687.35 (0.94%), Silver at $31.19 (1.28%), Brent Oil at $72.74 (-0.06%), WTI Oil at $69.27 (0.29%)
• Rates : US 10-year yield at 4.234, UK 10-year yield at 4.271, Germany 10-year yield at 2.1245

News & Data:

• (CAD) Current Account -3.2B vs -8.6B expected

Markets Update:

Asia-Pacific markets saw mixed performance on Friday, with most losing ground led by South Korea’s stocks following weak industrial production data. South Korea’s industrial production declined by 0.3% month-on-month in October, matching September’s drop. However, on a year-on-year basis, production increased by 2.3% in October, rebounding from a 1.3% fall in September.

The Kospi index dropped 1.29%, and the small-cap Kosdaq fell 1.87%. In contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 1.29%, while mainland China’s CSI 300 rose 2%, leading regional gains. The rise coincided with a Reuters poll suggesting that China’s home prices may decline at a slower pace through 2025 and stabilize in 2026, as support measures take effect.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Tokyo inflation data showed the headline rate rebounded to 2.6% in November from 1.8% in October. Core inflation, excluding fresh food costs, rose to 2.2%, slightly exceeding expectations. Tokyo’s inflation trends are seen as a precursor for nationwide patterns. Following the release, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.42%, while the Topix index slipped 0.2%.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 recorded a minor loss of 0.14%.

U.S. markets remained closed on Thursday for Thanksgiving and will operate for a shortened trading session on Friday.

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The post Friday 29th November 2024: Asia-Pacific Markets Dip as South Korea Slips, China Leads Gains first appeared on IC Markets | Official Blog.