Asian stock markets close without a single sign, but with Tokyo and Shanghai on the rise

Asian stock markets did not have a single direction this Friday (19). Among the major exchanges, Tokyo and Shanghai posted gains. Hong Kong, on the other hand, fell by more than 1%.

In Japan, the Nikkei index rose 0.50% to 29,745.87 points. The yen’s weakness helped exporters’ actions in Tokyo, while news of possible economic stimulus in the country helped the picture, as the government prepared a fiscal package – confirmed after the markets closed. Among the standouts in equities, Aisin rose 6.1% and Tokyo Electron, 3.6%.

In Chinese markets, the Shanghai Stock Exchange closed up 1.13%, at 3,560.37 points, and the Shenzhen, with a smaller scope, rose 1.20%, to 2,605.92 points. China’s developers had a positive performance, even with the perception that Beijing should ease credit conditions.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index ended down 1.07%, at 25,049.97 points. Among shares traded in this market, Cathay Pacific Airways dropped 1.11% and Bank of East Asia, 0.82%.

In South Korea, the Kospi index closed up 0.80%, at 2971.02 points, on the Seoul Stock Exchange. The South Korean square thus interrupted a sequence of three consecutive days of casualties. LG Electronics rose 9.0% after news that Apple was stepping up plans for a battery-powered autonomous vehicle, with investors betting that LG could benefit by supplying components for the project.

In Taiwan, the Taiex index dropped 0.13% to 17,818.31 points.

Oceania

In Oceania, the S&P/ASX 200 index closed up 0.23%, at 7,396.50 points. Commodity stocks pushed the move higher, with Rio Tinto and BHP up 0.83% and 1.14% respectively.