September 30, 2024 01:43 GMT
EQUITIES: Asian Equities Mixed, ASX200 Makes New Highs
EQUITIES
- Asian equities are mixed this morning with Japanese stocks plunging nearly 5% after Shigeru Ishiba’s surprise win in the ruling party's leadership race, replacing investor-favored Sanae Takaichi. The Nikkei 225 (-4.20%) dropped as exporters like Toyota and Honda saw steep declines due to a stronger yen, while banks rose on hopes of regional economic revitalization under Ishiba’s policies (TOPIX Banks Index +2%). Investors are bracing for near-term volatility as they await more clarity on Ishiba's stance on fiscal and monetary policies, including possible interest rate hikes and corporate tax increases.
- Elsewhere Australian stocks hit fresh record highs (ASX200 +0.83%), driven by gains in energy and commodity sectors following China's stimulus measures, though gold miners saw declines as gold prices stabilized, while equities in South Korea & Taiwan both trade about 0.80% lower, led by losses in tech stocks.
- US equity futures were about 0.20% higher in early morning trading however we now trade little changed for the day.
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