January 07, 2025 04:02 GMT
EQUITIES: HK/China Shares Lower On US Blacklisting, Tech Firmer Elsewhere
EQUITIES
Asia Pac equities are once again mixed. Hong Kong and to a lesser extent China markets, have struggled amid fresh US additions to the Blacklist (for companies that have alleged links to the China military). These have included Tencent and CATL, a battery maker. The HSI is off around 2.0% at this stage, while the CSI and Shanghai Composite indices are down more modestly. Trends are more positive elsewhere in the region, aided by tech trends.
- Nvidia's CEO has been in Las Vegas and announced new computer graphics processors, but broader Nasdaq futures sit little changed, last around flat after a strong cash trading start to the week in Monday US trade.
- Tech sensitive plays in terms of South Korea and Taiwan are firmer but away from best levels. The Taiex still up around 1.0%, the Kospi near 0.65%. Investors may have been hoping for more out of the Nvidia presentation.
- Yesterday saw very strong inflows into local Taiwan stocks, in excess of $1.5bn amid broader tech optimism, as Microsoft unveiled plans for AI data centers and Foxconn posted stronger Q4 results.
- Japan markets are performing better today, up +1% for the Topix, which the Nikkei is around 2% higher. Weaker yen levels, along with positive tech spill over are likely aiding sentiment.
- Elsewhere, aggregate shifts are more modest, Australia's ASX 200 up around 0.30%, but Indonesia and Philippine markets track slightly lower.
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