SINGAPORE — Stocks in Asia-Pacific traded higher Monday morning, as official data released over the weekend showed China’s manufacturing activity growth slowing in February.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose 2.07% in early trade, as the index attempted to recover from its nearly 4% plunge on Friday. The Topix index gained 1.56%.
Stocks in Australia edged higher in morning trade, as the S&P/ASX 200 gained 1.1%.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan traded 0.08% higher.
South Korea’s markets are closed on Monday for a holiday.
China manufacturing PMI
In economic developments, China’s official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for February came in at 50.6 over the weekend, according to data released by the country’s National Bureau of Statistics.
That was lower than January’s reading of 51.3 but still above the 50 level that separates expansion from contraction.
Looking ahead, a private survey on Chinese manufacturing activity in February is expected, with the Caixin/Markit manufacturing PMI set to be out at 9:45 a.m. HK/SIN on Monday.
Currencies
The U.S. dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of its peers, was at 90.779 after recovering from levels below 90 in late February.
The Japanese yen traded at 106.49 per dollar, weaker than levels below 105.6 against the greenback seen last week. The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.7746, having slipped from levels above $0.792 last week.
Oil prices were higher in the morning of Asia trading hours, with international benchmark Brent crude futures up 1.52% to $65.40 per barrel. U.S. crude futures gained 1.64% to $62.51 per barrel.
Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
- China: Caixin/Markit manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index at 9:45 a.m. HK/SIN
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Source: CNBC