Key Points:
- Japan’s Nikkei 225 index experienced a slight decline, driven by losses in certain sectors.
- The Nikkei Volatility Index saw an increase, indicating heightened market uncertainty.
- Hong Kong Stock Exchange saw declines across major indices, except for the MSCI China A 50 Connect and the CSI 300.
- Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index edged higher, led by gains in the Telecoms Services, Financials, and Metals & Mining sectors.
The Asian stock markets displayed divergent trends on Monday, with the Nikkei 225 in Japan recording minor losses while the S&P/ASX 200 in Australia increased.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index experienced a slight decline of 0.08% by the end of the trading session. Losses primarily influenced this downward movement in the Precision Instruments, Communication, and Services sectors.
Among the noteworthy performers on the Nikkei 225 were Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (TYO:7003), which saw a substantial increase of 12.21%, Aozora Bank, Ltd. (TYO:8304), with a gain of 5.64%, and Obayashi Corp. (TYO:1802) rising by 5.49%. Conversely, Recruit Holdings Co Ltd (TYO:6098) faced a decline of 3.25%, followed by Konica Minolta, Inc. (TYO:4902) and Advantest Corp. (TYO:6857), each registering losses of 3.19%.
Despite the overall decline in the Nikkei 225 index, the Tokyo Stock Exchange saw more advancing stocks than declining ones, with 2928 advancing stocks compared to 818 declining ones.
Over in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the trading day opened with declines across major indices. The Hang Seng Index dropped by 0.88%, reaching 16,195.89, while the HSCEI decreased by 1.02% to 5,502.32. The Hang Seng TECH Index exhibited a more significant decline of 2.33%, closing at 3,264.72. However, there were some positive movements, with the MSCI China A 50 Connect Index rising by 0.99% and the CSI 300 Index climbing by 1.16%. The CNH Gold Futures and USD Gold Futures remained unchanged in the commodities market.
Meanwhile, on the Korea Stock Exchange, various indices witnessed gains. The KTOP 30 index increased by 0.89%, KOSPI rose by 1.19%, KOSPI 200 gained 1.51%, and KOSDAQ showed a modest increase of 0.33%. The KRX 300 index climbed by 1.42%.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 index saw a marginal rise of 0.09% at the close of trading. Telecoms Services, Financials, and Metals & Mining were the key drivers of this positive momentum.
Top performers on the S&P/ASX 200 included A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX:A2M), which surged by 14.55%, Appen Ltd (ASX:APX) with a gain of 9.23%, and Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX:RWC) rising by 5.67%. Conversely, Lend Lease Group (ASX:LLC) faced a notable decline of 14.51%, with Nuix Ltd (ASX:NXL) and Orora Ltd (ASX:ORA) also registering losses.
