Equity markets across Asia started the week on a slightly positive note, with traders largely in wait-and-see mode ahead of a high-stakes U.S. inflation update later this week. The Consumer Price Index, due Wednesday, is expected to be the most closely watched data point, with the potential to sway central bank policy and global market sentiment.
The MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index added about 0.3%, led by gains in Seoul and Sydney. Japan’s Nikkei hovered near recent record highs but showed little movement, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.4% as weakness in tech names offset broader market stability.
In currency trading, the U.S. dollar held firm, while the yen drifted lower. Market participants cited a preference for caution ahead of the CPI release, with consensus pointing to a mild slowdown in price growth but no dramatic shift.
Chinese equities faced added pressure after Beijing announced new rules requiring foreign semiconductor firms to share part of their revenue from local sales. The move weighed on regional chipmakers and mirrored losses in their U.S. counterparts.
Commodities were steady, with crude oil trading around $84 a barrel and gold prices maintaining recent gains, reflecting a defensive tilt among investors. Regional bond yields edged higher, tracking moves in U.S. Treasuries.
While Monday’s trading was relatively muted, strategists warn that midweek could bring sharper moves if the U.S. inflation numbers surprise or if geopolitical developments escalate. Until then, most traders seem content to hold their ground.
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