Equities Mixed, As Lunar New Years Kicks Off

Equities are mixed today, volumes are expected to be much lower as Lunar New Year gets underway. During the US session, equities were slightly firmer SPX 0.06% higher while Nasdaq was 0.24% higher. In the futures space, we are down slightly in the first part of Friday trade.

• Hong Kong markets will only trade during the morning session today, before reopening on Wednesday, while mainland China equity markets will re-open on Feb 19th. MNI reported yesterday that first tier Chinese cities will likely ease homebuying restrictions progressively to stimulate demand without stirring up house prices, in another sign that the government will look to do more to support the struggling sector. Chinese education stocks may also get a boost after the Ministry of education publish a draft clarity the country's after-school tutoring policy. As Hong Kong markets open today, HSI is 2.00% lower, HS tech is 2.7% while Mainland property is 4.13% lower

• Japan equities are extending their move higher from yesterday largely in part from BOJ Deputy Governor Uchida comments, while BOJ Governor Ueda has appeared in parliament Friday, markets are reacting positive to his statements with the NIKKEI up 0.85%, while the TOPIX trades 0.35% higher. In other news, short interest in Aozora continues to rise even after the 34% fall in its share price, in a sign there could still be more pain to come.
• Australia equities edged higher today, RBA Governor Bullock gave her first meeting under the new format, her comments didn't deviate too much from Tuesday not ruling out another rate hike, and mentioned inflation is still too high. The ASX200 is currently 0.20% higher.
• New Zealand equities are lower today, in large due to ANZ's view that interest rates will continue to rise in NZ from 5.50 to 6.00% this year, equities now 0.95% lower.
• Elsewhere in SEA, most market will be observing Lunar New Years.