Asian Markets Mixed After BoJ's Rate Decision

Following the Bank of Japan's (BoJ) decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%, major stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region showed mixed reactions. Investors are closely analyzing Japan's latest economic data, including a decline in industrial production for January and a significant shift from a trade deficit to a surplus of ¥584.5 billion in February.

Stock Market Movements Across Asia

At 7:11 am CET, Japan's Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng remained flat, while South Korea's Kospi experienced a 0.71% rise shortly after. Conversely, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 saw a 0.41% decrease by the market's close. Mainland China's stock markets also faced downturns, with the Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen Composite dropping by 0.17% and 0.46%, respectively, by 7:15 am CET.

Currency Market Update

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