Asian stocks close mostly higher, but with Shanghai in stability

Asian equity markets had generally positive trading.

Among the main ones, Shanghai ended practically stable, while Tokyo exhibited more strength, in a context of expectation for the decision of the Federal Reserve (Fed, the American central bank), later this Wednesday (14).

In China, the Shanghai Stock Exchange closed up 0.01%, at 3,176.53 points, and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, of lesser scope, fell 0.09%, at 2,143.15 points.

The Chinese stock market even showed a more positive picture in part of the trading session, but it was short of breath, still with downward adjustments among some stocks, after a rally generated by the withdrawal by Beijing of part of the restrictions to contain Covid-19.

Investors are awaiting an economic policy meeting of the country’s top leaders this week, which should set the tone for priorities for next year. Among equities, the telecoms and biotech sectors came under the most pressure, while consumer stocks continued to rise.

On the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the Nikkei index ended with a gain of 0.72%, at 28,156.21 points. Lower-than-expected consumer inflation helped the Japanese market ahead of today’s Fed decision. Lasertec rose 3.4% and Tokyo Electron, 1.9%.

In South Korea, the Kospi index registered an increase of 1.13% in Seoul, at 2,399.25 points. Stocks in the chemical and biotech sectors were among the biggest gains, with anticipation for the Fed’s decision in that market as well.

Samsung Electronics gained 1.3%. In Taiwan, the Taiex index rose 1.49% to 14,739.36 points.

In Oceania, on the Sydney Stock Exchange, the S&P/ASX 200 index closed with a gain of 0.67%, at 7,251.30 points. All sectors rose in the Australian stock market, helped by the picture in the US, with lower-than-expected inflation in the country in November.

Stocks linked to gold, lithium, iron ore and coal advanced, recovering losses from the previous session, while the energy sector rose more than 1%, supported by gains in oil.