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Asia-Pacific stocks trade mixed

Saturday, 19 November 2022



Shares in the Asia-Pacific traded mixed as Japan's core consumer price index for October rose 3.6 per cent compared to a year ago, higher than expected and at the fastest pace in 40 years. The nation last saw the same level in February 1982, Refinitiv data showed.
The Nikkei 225 fell 0.11 per cent to close at 27,899.77, while the Topix ended its session at 1,967.03. South Korea's Kospi was fractionally higher to close at 2,444.48. The S&P/ASX 200 in Australia gained 0.23 per cent to end its session at 7,151.8, reports CNBC.
The Hang Seng Index erased earlier gains and closed its session 0.29 per cent lower at 17,992.54. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite ended its session 0.58 per cent lower at 3,097.24 and the Shenzhen Component fell 0.37 per cent to close at 11,180.43.
Meanwhile, European markets were higher on Friday as investors continue to assess the trajectory of monetary policy after some tough statements from US Federal Reserve officials.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 was up 1.1 per cent by late morning, with utilities adding 1.6 per cent to lead gains as all sectors and major bourses entered positive territory.
Overnight on Wall Street, stocks fell and yields jumped with a number of speakers from the Federal Reserve signaling more interest rates hikes ahead. St. Louis Federal Reserve President James Bullard suggested the appropriate federal funds rate zone to be between 5 per cent and 7 per cent, higher than what markets are pricing in.