Positive Economic Indicators from China Boost Asia-Pacific Markets

Recent economic data from China has shown promising signs, with retail sales increasing by 4% and industrial production advancing by 5.9% in the first two months of 2025. This positive news has had a ripple effect across the Asia-Pacific markets, leading to significant gains.

Market Reactions Across the Region

Japan's Nikkei 225 saw an increase of 1.14%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 0.66%. South Korea's Kospi Composite experienced a notable jump of 1.45%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng gained 1.34%, and on the Chinese mainland, both the Shanghai Composite and the Shenzhen Composite saw moderate increases of 0.30% and 0.29%, respectively.

Currency Movements

The dollar remained stable against the yen, trading at ¥148.6520. This stability in currency exchange rates further underscores the positive sentiment in the region's financial markets.