Mixed Trends In Asia Pac, Higher Nasdaq Futures Aid Tech Sensitive Plays

Asia Pac equities are mixed, with the major indices not showing definitive trends through the course of the session. HK/China shares are modestly higher. US futures are once again firmer, led once again by the tech side, with Nasdaq futures around +0.60% higher at this stage, buoyed by better earnings guidance from Meta late on Wednesday in the US.

• The CSI 300 is +0.11% at this stage, still comfortably below the 200-day MA, but showing some signs of stability. The index was weaker in earlier trading. Strength has been evident in the insurance sector on better earnings.
• The HSI is a touch higher, despite negative headwinds from the tech sub-index (last -0.84%).
• Singapore stocks are down 0.50%, weighed by the property sector, as the government announced it was increasing stamp duty for second home buyers and foreigners purchasing local property.
• The Kospi and Taiex are firmer by 0.25-0.35% respectively. Positive Nasdaq futures are helping, with Korean markets recovering from earlier losses after Samsung's Q1 earnings disappointed.
• The ASX 200 is down 0.50%, an underperformer as local banks struggled. The Topix is up 0.25% at this stage.
• In SEA Thai stocks are down over 1%, while Indonesia stocks are +0.80%, continuing yesterday's solid rebound. Hopes of positive earnings momentum the driver of the JCI.