ASIA STOCKS: Asian Equities Mostly Lower Amid Weak China Stimulus

Asian equities are mostly lower this morning, driven by weak Chinese economic stimulus measures and disappointing corporate earnings. In Japan, stocks are fluctuating, with machinery and steel producers pressured, while banks and automakers are rising. South Korean stocks are underperforming, led by declines in major tech firms like Samsung and SK hynix. Asian equities are also reacting to softer-than-expected Chinese inflation data and concerns about persistent deflation, while a stronger USD continues to weigh on regional currencies. 

• Chinese stocks are under pressure after the NPC meeting provided minimal stimulus measures to boost domestic demand. The government's restructuring of local government debt and other policy updates failed to address the economic struggles in housing and consumer demand. Weekend data highlighted persistent deflation, adding to the need for further economic support. Market sentiment is weak as investors expect more targeted demand stimulus to address ongoing deflationary pressures.
• Bitcoin surged past $81,000, driven by support from the incoming US president and pro-crypto lawmakers. Meanwhile, oil prices slid due to China's weak economic outlook, and the US dollar remained little changed.
• The Fed's Kashkari suggested that rate cuts may be less aggressive amid a strong US economy, though uncertainty remains regarding the impact of Trump’s fiscal policies.
• Early morning flows in South Korea are showing decent sized selling by foreign investors, with majority of selling seen in tech stocks, so far there has been $185m in net selling
• China and Hong Kong equities are the worst performing with major benchmarks opening 2-3% lower, South Korea's KOSPI -1.30%, Australia's ASX 200 is -0.50%, New Zealand's NZX 50 is -0.60% while Japanese equities are flat.