Asian Markets React to Japan's Economic Data

Following the release of Japan's latest economic indicators, major stock indexes across the Asia-Pacific region experienced a downturn. The Statistics Bureau of Japan reported a decrease in Tokyo's inflation rate to 2.9% in January, signaling potential challenges ahead.

Further data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) highlighted a 1.1% drop in Japan's industrial output for the same month, contrasting with a slight 0.5% increase in retail sales.

Impact on Regional Markets

Japan's Nikkei 225 led the decline, dropping by 2.82%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng and South Korea's Kospi also saw significant losses. Mainland China's stock indexes and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 were not spared, with notable decreases as well.

The dollar also felt the impact, trading 0.20% lower against the yen, reflecting the broader market sentiment.