Asia Equities Mostly Higher, Stronger Yen Weighs On Japan Equities

Regional Asian equities are mixed today with Japan being the under-performer in the region, the stronger yen has offset moves higher in technology names. Markets have been higher after Powell's testimony they rate cuts are expected to be seen later in the year.

• Japan equities are mostly lower today, as the stronger yen offset moves in tech names, while banking names opening up 2% after increasing expectations that the BoJ will scrap it's negative interest rate policy in the coming months, the Topic Bank Index is up 1.25%. The stronger yen isn't helping the wider market as it rallied to its highest level in a month, the Topix is down 0.26%, while the Nikkei 225 with a higher exposure to tech names is down 0.85%n
• South Korean equities are slightly higher today, tech names have led the way higher with Samsung SDI is the top performer after it was reported the EV battery maker will start mass producing an all solid state battery in 2027. While foreign investors have been better sellers with paper and paper products and non metallic mineral names seeing the most of the outflows The Kospi is up 0.15%
• Taiwan equities are the top performing region today, semiconductor names again are leading the way higher after the Philadelphia semiconductor Index closed up 2.42% on Wednesday. The Taiex is currently 1.20% higher.
• Australian equities are slightly higher today, as Banking and Industrial names edge higher, Metals & Mining names are lower. The ASX has closed up 0.37%
• Elsewhere in SEA, NZ closed up 0.07%, Indonesia is up 0.62%, India up 0.06%, while Singapore down 0.20% and Philippines down 0.80% being the worst performer.