Major Indices Tracking Lower As China Optimism Is Tempered

(MNI Australia) Regional equities have mostly followed the negative EU/US lead from Wednesday's session and are tracking lower today. Tech sensitive plays have again seen the largest falls. US futures are slightly higher, with the Nasdaq around +0.25/0.30% higher at this stage, while other major indices are closer to flat.

• Much of the focus remains on countries imposing restrictions on tourist/visitor arrivals from China, amid the current onshore outbreak and as China removes constraints on inbound/outbound travel.
• The HSI is down by 1.1%, the underlying tech index down 2.60%, more than unwinding yesterday's gain. More game approvals from China regulators failed to buoy sentiment, although it suggests potentially less regulatory burden on the sector as we move into 2023.
• Mainland shares are down, with the CSI 300 off by 0.41%.
• The Kospi is down a further 1.44%, led by the electronics sector. Offshore investors have sold a further -$232.8mn of local shares. The Taiex is down by 0.55%, the Nikkei 225 off by 1.15%.
• Only Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesian stock indices are in positive territory so far today.