Market Movements in Asia Following BoJ's Announcement

Following the Bank of Japan's decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%, stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region showed mixed reactions. Investors are also weighing in on Japan's latest industrial production figures, which saw a decline in January, and a significant shift in the country's trade balance from a deficit to a surplus in February.

Stock Market Updates

At 7:11 am CET, Japan's Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng indices were both trading flat. However, South Korea's Kospi experienced a 0.71% rise shortly thereafter. Conversely, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 closed down by 0.41%. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen Composite indices saw slight declines of 0.17% and 0.46%, respectively, by 7:15 am CET.

Currency Movements

In currency news, the dollar appreciated by 0.35% against the yen, trading at ¥149.7880 by 7:15 am CET.