Mixed Regional Trends, HK Markets Return Weaker, Japan Markets Down Modestly

Asia Pac equities are mixed in Monday trade. Hong Kong markets have returned and are down on multiple headwinds. Other major regional markets are painting more of a mixed picture. US equity futures are a touch higher at this stage. Eminis last near 4518, +0.15%, while Nasdaq futures are around 0.25% higher.

• The HSI is down 1.68% at the break. Alibaba has tracked down sharply, with the unexcepted exit of a senior executive weighing on sentiment. Hong Kong builders have tracked lower amid weaker earnings and plans for banks to raise rates. The HS China Enterprise index is also tracking lower, down 1.42%.
• On the mainland, the CSI 300 is faring better, up 0.3% at this stage. This follows a recent pledge by the regulator to boost market confidence, while over the weekend it was announced that insurance companies would have easier avenues to purchase stocks.
• Elsewhere, Japan stocks are down modestly, the Topix last ~0.20% off. Mixed trends are evident, as local yields and the yen have surged following hawkish weekend comments by BoJ Governor Ueda. Banks are higher, but property sector names are off.
• The Taiex is off by 0.80%, weighed by the weaker SOX trend in US trade late last week, while the Kospi is marginally higher (+0.25%).
• Trends in SEA are mixed, with most bourses lower, but only modestly at this stage, while Indonesian shares are a touch higher.