HONG KONG, Dec 13: Asian stocks closed narrowly mixed on Tuesday with investors sidelined ahead of a widely anticipated interest rate hike in the United States later in the day, dealers said.
They said while the hike was already factored into the markets it was the accompanying statement by the Federal Reserve and its outlook for the world’s largest economy that was holding attention and suppressing buy orders.
Seoul managed a 0.24 per cent gain which fetched it another record close and a similar rise in Tokyo, up 0.26 per cent, pushed the Nikkei to its highest close in five years and two months.
If those expectations are met and the outlook for the US economy proves positive, then a year end rally could yet materialise.
TOKYO: Share prices closed up 0.26 per cent at the highest level for five years and two months as the market anticipated an upbeat Tankan survey of business sentiment.
The Nikkei-225 index rose 40.16 points to 15,778.86.
The Nikkei index started the morning on a back foot as investors moved to lock in profits ahead of a US interest rate decision and accompanying comments.
HONG KONG: Share prices closed 0.28 per cent lower on caution ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting later in the day and a widely expected increase in interest rates.
SYDNEY: Share prices closed 0.54 per cent lower amid nervousness among the banking sector ahead of an expected hike in interest rates in the United States.
The S and P/ASX 200 dropped 24.8 points to 4,587.1. Turnover was 899.9 million shares worth 2.90 billion dollars (US $2.19bn).
SINGAPORE: Share prices closed 0.32 per cent lower on profit-taking in technology stocks, amid a mixed performance by markets elsewhere in the region.
KUALA LUMPUR: Share prices closed 0.14 per cent higher Tuesday with the benchmark index supported by blue chips as they gained on bargain-hunting.
JAKARTA: Share prices closed 0.6 per cent higher for the eighth consecutive trading day of gains, driven by a strong performance in market mover Telkom and minor stocks.
WELLINGTON: Share prices closed 0.36 per cent higher following gains in market leader Telecom, marking the first modest gain in more than a week for the benchmark.
The NZSX-50 gross index rose 11.44 points to 3,196.72 on turnover of 97 million dollars (US $ 68.9 million).
MUMBAI: Share prices surged 1.43 per cent as foreign funds brought blue chips on prospects of strong economic growth despite concerns over a possible rate hike by the US Federal Reserve.
The 30-share Sensex rose 130.23 points to 9,263.90. Volumes reached 43.53 billion rupees (US $946 million)..—AFP
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