Asian stocks close mostly lower, with tensions in Ukraine

Asian stocks closed mostly lower on Tuesday (15), still pressured by geopolitical tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

The Japanese Nikkei index fell 0.79% in Tokyo, at 26,865.19 points, while the Hang Seng index fell 0.82% in Hong Kong, at 24,355.71 points.

The South Korean Kospi also fell by 1.03% in Seoul, reaching 2,676.54 points. Taiex, on the other hand, recorded a loss of 0.25% in Taiwan, at 17,951.81 points.

Risk appetite in Asia is hampered by fears that Ukraine will be invaded by Russia. Moscow has already deployed more than 130,000 Russian troops to areas close to the border with the neighboring country.

The US and Western allies, meanwhile, are threatening to impose sanctions on Russia if the aggression comes to fruition.

In addition to the geopolitical issue, the latest growth data from Japan came in below expectations.

Dodging the bad mood in the Asian region, Chinese stocks performed positively on Tuesday, helped by alcoholic beverage makers who are making money amid the Beijing Winter Olympics.

The Shanghai Composite rose 0.50% to 3,446.09 points, and the less comprehensive Shenzhen Composite rose 1.35% to 2,283.63 points.

In Oceania, the Australian stock exchange followed the predominant tone of Asia, and the S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.51% in Sydney, at 7,206.90 points.

Source: CNN Brasil

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