The stock market in Asia is not showing mixed results today. Some indices are down, including Korea's KOSPI, which lost 0.1%, as well as China's Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen Composite, which both fell by 0.61%. Other indicators increased. The Australian S&P/ASX 200 index gained 0.22%, the Japanese Nikkei 225 index increased by 0.38%, and the Hang Seng Index of Hong Kong jumped by 0.67%.
The US consumer price growth data will be released today. The country's inflation rate is expected to slow down to 7.3% in November, down from 7.7% in October.
In addition, the US Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of England will hold meetings this week. Thus, according to the forecasts of most experts, the Fed will raise the rate by 50 points on the background of strong data.
Japan's Nikkei 225 reached its highest level in two weeks. However, it could not stay above 28,000 for long, as investors are not yet ready to actively buy shares of Japanese companies.
Most of the Japanese indicator components showed increases. Fast Retailing gained 1.53%, Honda added 1.2%, Sony increased by 1.06%, and Toyota jumped by 0.28%. JGC Holdings securities gained 3.24%.
Stock markets received another positive signal after the announcement of the Chinese ambassador to the US about another easing of COVID-19 measures in the country, which will make it easier for foreigners to enter the PRC. The Hong Kong authorities have already decided to abolish the requirement for tourists to refrain from visiting gyms, bars, and restaurants for three days after their arrival in the city.
Among the companies of the Hong Kong index, developers increased in price, while companies from the healthcare and IT sectors, on the contrary, fell. Alibaba gained 0.1%, while Li Auto dropped by 1.3%.
The components of the Korean KOSPI showed mixed performance. Samsung Electronics rose by 0.3%, while Hyundai Motor fell by 2.8%.
The IT sector was the leader among Australian companies. Block added 3.5%, Xero gained 1%, and Brainchip Holdings soared by 2.9%. Stocks of the country's largest banks increased by 0.7-1.5%. At the same time, shares of the largest mining companies lost in price. BHP Group decreased by 0.4% and Rio Tinto dropped by 0.6%.
