Asian equity markets showed mixed performance today as investors digested the latest strong US jobs data, which could influence the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 0.6%, while Singapore's Straits Times Index dipped marginally by 0.2%. Market participants remain cautious about the global economic outlook and central bank policy directions.
Asian equity markets displayed a mixed performance on Friday as investors assessed the potential implications of strong US non-farm payroll data on the global interest rate outlook. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index rose 0.6% to 16,050 points, primarily boosted by technology and financial stocks. However, Singapore's Straits Times Index edged down 0.2% to 3,180 points, partly due to investor concerns over slowing global economic growth. Japan's Nikkei 225 also recorded a 0.3% decline. The general market sentiment is that if the US labour market remains robust, the Federal Reserve might maintain higher interest rates for longer, potentially putting pressure on emerging markets. Investors are closely monitoring upcoming global inflation data and central bank officials' speeches for clues on future market directions.
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