Precise Investors Editorial Team
Nikkei 225 edged 0.1% higher, the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 index gained 0.8%, Straits Times Index declined 0.3%, while KOSPI shed 0.1%
Asian shares were mixed on Thursday, as investors stayed cautious ahead of a series of U.S. economic reports that could shape the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook.
Nikkei 225 edged 0.1% higher while the broader TOPIX index added 0.4%.
The blue chip Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 index gained 0.8%, while the Shanghai Composite traded marginally higher. Hang Seng index rose 0.3%.
S&P/ASX 200 added 0.1%, while Straits Times Index declined 0.3%.
KOSPI shed 0.1%, while futures for Nifty 50 traded largely unchanged before market open.
In Japan, attention turned to the release of the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) July policy meeting minutes.
The minutes showed that some policymakers argued for considering rate hikes in the future, highlighting divisions within the board.
At its latest meeting, the BOJ kept short-term rates at 0.5% but signalled it would scale back purchases of exchange-traded funds and real estate investment trusts. Two members of the board dissented, calling for a hike to 0.75%.
Elsewhere, U.S. stock markets closed lower for a second straight session on Wednesday, with losses in technology stocks leading the decline. The retreat reflected renewed concern over stretched valuations and uncertainty about the U.S. central bank’s next moves. The country’s stock index futures rose in Asian trading on Thursday.
Investors are now focused on a heavy U.S. data calendar. Weekly jobless claims and a final reading of second-quarter GDP are due later on Thursday, followed by the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, on Friday.
The figures are expected to provide clearer signals on whether the central bank will move ahead with further rate cuts this year.
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