This morning, in the stock markets of the Asia-Pacific region, there was an increase, which affected most stock indicators. However, the overall activity is still extremely low. In fact, it was quite predictable due to the Catholic Christmas Eve.
Despite the fact that the end of 2020 has been quite challenging for global markets, including a revision of the stock portfolio, investors' mood remains positive. They still hope that the world will be able to cope with all the difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
In particular, the Asian markets are supported by the news coming from their European counterparts. According to the latest data, the UK and the EU are likely to sign a trade agreement. Only over the past two days, the British authorities unexpectedly agreed to make huge concessions on the thorniest issues. However, earlier, the UK position looked very firm. For example, one of the most important issues related to fishing was positively resolved.
Of course, such information boosted investors' sentiment. This, in turn, may lead to a rise in the stock markets.
Japan's Nikkei 225 Index advanced by 0.54%.
China's Shanghai Composite index fell by 0.57% in almost a day and was among those that continue to feel pressure from external negative factors. The Hong Kong Hang Seng index did not support the negative trend this time and went up by 0.16%.
Chinese market participants are worried about the news that the country's official authorities have organized an investigation against the online retailer Alibaba over the issue of its violation of the antitrust law. This could seriously shake investor confidence and cause a collapse in the company's shares.
South Korea's KOSPI index jumped by 1.7%, upgrading its all-time high.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index advanced by up 0.33%.
