Market

Asian Markets React Variably to Bank of Japan's Rate Decision and Economic Data

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.