Most major Asian indices are declining. Only Shanghai Composite increased by 0.24% and Shenzhen Composite rose by 0.2%. Other indices declined. Hang Seng Index of Hong Kong lost 1.52%, Australian S&P/ASX 200 decreased by 1.55%, the Japanese Nikkei 225 dropped by 1.65%, and the Korean KOSPI slumped by 1.9%.
Investors are still digesting the speech of the Fed Chairman, who clearly indicated that the regulator intends to continue applying stricter monetary policy measures. Analysts believe that the increase in interest rates may not have the desired effect to combat rising prices, but will have a serious impact on the economic situation as a whole. Households and businesses in the world's largest countries will behave more cautiously during an uncertain time due to uncertainty about global stability and economic growth.
Meanwhile, the Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) of China's manufacturing industry decreased to 49.5 points in August from 50.4 points in July. This value proved to be weaker than analysts had expected. They forecasted a decrease to 50.2 points. When the PMI is below 50.0 this indicates that the manufacturing economy is declining and a value above 50.0 indicates an expansion.
Among the components of the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index, Meituan lost 5.2%, Sands China, Ltd. dropped by 5.0%, BYD Co., Ltd. plummeted by 5.9%, and Haidilao International Holding, Ltd. decreased by 3.9%.
Among Japanese firms, Unitika, Ltd., plummeted by 4.6%, and Denso, Corp. nosedived by 3.9%.
Meanwhile, Kadokawa, Corp. rose by 5% on news that two major companies, Sony Group, Corp. and Tencent Holdings, Ltd. will invest in its unit.
According to the latest information, South Korea's economy grew by 2.9% in April-June 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. The economy also grew by 0.7% compared to January-March of this year.
Despite strong statistical data, the value of securities of Samsung Electronics, Co. fell by 2%, and Kia, Corp. slightly dropped by 0.3%.
Among the components of the S&P/ASX 200 index, BHP shares lost 1% and Rio Tinto decreased by 1.3%.
