Market Overview

Following the Bank of Japan's decision to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.5%, Asia-Pacific stock markets showed mixed reactions. Investors also weighed in on Japan's latest economic indicators, including a downturn in industrial production for January and a significant shift from a trade deficit to a surplus in February.

Stock Market Movements

At 7:11 am CET, Japan's Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng remained flat, while South Korea's Kospi saw a 0.71% increase. Conversely, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 experienced a 0.41% drop at closing. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen Composite recorded slight declines of 0.17% and 0.46%, respectively.

Currency Impact

The dollar appreciated by 0.35% against the yen, trading at ¥149.7880 by 7:15 am CET, reflecting the broader economic sentiment in the region.