Economic Indicators and Trade Tariffs Influence Asia-Pacific Markets

On Thursday, the Asia-Pacific region experienced a mostly upward trend in its markets, as investors closely analyzed recent economic data and updates regarding the US imposition of trade tariffs. South Korea's inflation rate saw a decrease to 2%, while Australia reported a trade surplus of 5.6 billion Australian dollars in January, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Market Movements Across the Region

Japan's Nikkei 225 saw a rise of 0.88% by 7:16 am CET, contrasting with Australia's S&P/ASX 200, which ended its trading session with a 0.57% loss. Meanwhile, South Korea's Kospi advanced by 0.43% at 7:17 am CET. In mainland China, the Shenzhen Composite and the Shanghai Composite experienced gains of 1.76% and 1.22%, respectively, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index surged by 2.96%.

Currency Fluctuations

At 7:19 am CET, the US dollar was observed to be up by 0.23% against the Japanese yen, trading at ¥1.08174.