Asian stock markets showed mixed results on Tuesday, with most markets experiencing gains while China lagged behind due to disappointing economic data. The resilience of U.S. equities overnight provided some support to Asian markets, but concerns over China's economic recovery limited broader gains.
Japan's Nikkei 225 index continued its outperformance, reaching an 18-month high with a 0.9% increase. A strong first-quarter earnings season and a dovish Bank of Japan made Japanese equities particularly attractive to investors. Meanwhile, China's Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 fell 0.1%, and the Shanghai Composite index remained flat as industrial production and retail sales data for April fell short of expectations. Although the data showed steady growth compared to the previous month, it indicated a slower-than-expected recovery for Asia's largest economy.
China's disappointing economic indicators follow weaker-than-expected imports, inflation, and business activity data earlier this month, signaling a sluggish economic recovery despite the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. However, losses in Chinese stocks were limited as investors anticipated further policy loosening by the People's Bank of China to support growth. Analysts are now predicting a 25 basis point cut in the bank's Loan Prime Rate next month, pushing interest rates to record lows.
Concerns over China's economic performance also influenced broader Asian markets, given China's significant role as a trading partner for the region. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.4%, and South Korea's KOSPI added 0.3%. However, the KOSPI's gains were hindered by declining export prices in April, although the decline was less severe than anticipated.
Australia's ASX 200 index declined by 0.2% as export-oriented stocks reacted to signs of weakness in China, their largest market. Additionally, a private survey revealed a substantial deterioration in consumer sentiment in early May following an unexpected interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank.
While Asian markets drew some positive momentum from Wall Street, attention is now shifting to upcoming U.S. economic indicators scheduled for release this week. Investors will also closely monitor statements from several Federal Reserve officials, notably Chair Jerome Powell, set to speak on Friday.
In addition to economic factors, negotiations to raise the U.S. debt ceiling remained in focus as policymakers warned of a potential debt default by June 1. The outcome of these negotiations will have implications for global financial stability.
