Asian Markets Show Mixed Reactions Post BoJ Rate Decision

Following the Bank of Japan's (BoJ) decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%, the Asia-Pacific stock markets exhibited a mixed response during Wednesday's afternoon trading session. Investors are also processing Japan's latest economic indicators, including a downturn in industrial production for January and a significant shift from a trade deficit to a surplus of ¥584.5 billion in February.

Market Movements Across the Region

At 7:11 am CET, Japan's Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng indices remained largely unchanged. Shortly after, South Korea's Kospi index saw a 0.71% increase. Conversely, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index experienced a 0.41% drop by the market's close. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite index slightly decreased by 0.17%, and the Shenzhen Composite index fell by 0.46% at 7:15 am CET.

Currency Fluctuations

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