Asia-Pacific markets decline
The broader Asia-Pacific markets largely declined in Friday morning trade.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.56%. In mainland China, the Shanghai composite slipped 0.45% while the Shenzhen component shed 0.435%.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 fell 0.72% while the Topix index shed 0.39%. South Korea’s Kospi declined 0.77%.
Meanwhile, stocks in Australia bucked the overall trend, with the S&P/ASX 200 0.11% higher.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan traded 0.54% lower.
Looking ahead, the Reserve Bank of India is set to announce its interest rate decision at 2:15 p.m. HK/SIN on Friday.
Currencies and oil
The U.S. dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of its peers, was at 90.492 after a recent climb from below 90.3.
The Japanese yen traded at 110.15 per dollar, weaker than levels below 110 seen against the greenback yesterday. The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.7662, lower than levels above $0.772 seen earlier in the week.
Oil prices dipped in the morning of Asia trading hours, with international benchmark Brent crude futures 0.43% lower at $71 per barrel. U.S. crude futures shed 0.38% to $68.55 per barrel.
Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
- India: Reserve Bank of India’s interest rate decision at 2:15 p.m. HK/SIN
Source: CNBC