Asian stocks closed without a single direction on Thursday (23), with those of China and Hong Kong supported by promises of more support to the Chinese economy and others pressured by growing risks of recession in the US.
In mainland China, the stock index Shanghai Composite up 1.62% to 3,320.15 points, breaking a streak of three negative sessions, while the less comprehensive Shenzhen Composite advanced 2.08% to 2,164.01 points.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng gained 1.26% to 21,273.87 points.
On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his commitment to expand efforts so that the world’s second-largest economy meets goals set for this year, including that of growing 5.5%, and minimizing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. -19.
Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei secured only a marginal rise in Tokyo on Thursday, up 0.08% to 26,171.25 points, thanks to strong performance in insurance stocks, but South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.22%. in Seoul, at 2,314.32 points, dragged by shares in the maritime transport and construction sectors, and the Taiex retreated 1.12% in Taiwan, at 15,176.44 points.
Concerns that the US could enter a recession, given the soaring inflation in the country and the more aggressive stance of the Federal Reserve (Fed, the US central bank) in raising interest rates, limit risk appetite in the Asian region.
In testimony before the US Senate, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday it was possible to tighten monetary policy without causing a recession, but admitted the possibility of an economic contraction. This Thursday, Powell speaks in the House of Representatives.
In Oceania, the Australian stock market was in the blue this Thursday, with the help of financial and technology and consumer stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.31% in Sydney at 6,528.40 points.
*With information from Dow Jones Newswires
Source: CNN Brasil
