Asian stock markets fell on Thursday after disappointing data on manufacturing in China and as Russian bombing continued in Kyiv, shattering hopes for progress in peace talks.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index is down 1%. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.4% after the manufacturing index fell to a five-month low amid strict measures taken by Chinese authorities to curb the coronavirus, closing entire cities.
In particular, the official PMI fell to 49.5 points in March from 50.2 points in February, according to the country’s statistical office. This is the first decline of the index below the level of 50 points that separates the expansion of the activity from the contraction, after four months of expansion of the activity.
The Japanese Nikkei 225 index lost 0.7% at 27,821.43 points.
South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.3%, while in Australia the S & P / ASX 200 lost 0.2%. Indices in Singapore and Taiwan are also falling.
Meanwhile, Russian bombardment of areas near Kyiv continued on Wednesday despite Moscow’s announcements that it would reduce its military operations there to boost talks. The White House has warned that Russian moves in the field indicate a redeployment of forces and not a withdrawal of troops.
Source: Capital
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