On Thursday morning (3 October, 9:46 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), major indices in Asia Pacific traded mixed, with Japan’s Nikkei leading gains while Hong Kong’s HSI dropping its continuous sessions of rally after the announcement of stimulus measures from China last week. Investors also digested key data from Japan and Australia.
Australia’s seasonally adjusted Judo Bank Composite PMI recorded a value of 49.6 in September, indicating a decrease from the 51.7 registered in August and falling below the neutral mark of 50. Furthermore, the services PMI in Australia posted a value of 50.5 in September, down from 52.5 observed in August.
The au Jibun Bank Composite Final PMI in Japan, reflecting both manufacturing and service sector activities, recorded a value of 52.0 in September. This figure indicates a slightly softer expansion in the private sector compared to the 52.9 recorded in August. The service sector PMI was 53.1, marking a decrease from the 53.7 recorded in August.
Meanwhile, markets in mainland China remained closed until October 8 for a week-long holiday, while South Korea will be shut on Thursday in observance of National Foundation Day.
Japan’s NIKKEI jumped by 2.21% to 38,645.8. Australia’s ASX 200 climbed by 0.05% to 8,202.5, while Hong Kong’s HSI slumped by 3.11% to 21,746.61.
Meanwhile, the US stock markets edged up on Wednesday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose by 0.09% to 42,196.52. NASDAQ gained 0.08% to 17,925.12, and S&P 500 climbed by 0.01% to 5,709.54. VIX decreased by 1.87% to 18.9.
As for commodities, oil prices settled higher on Wednesday due to concerns regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East potentially endangering oil supplies from the world’s leading producing region. However, gains were capped by a significant build in U.S. crude inventories. Brent futures increased 34 cents or 0.46% to $73.90 a barrel, and the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) grew 27 cents or 0.39% to $70.10 per barrel.
This morning, Brent futures surged 67 cents or 0.91% to $74.57 a barrel, and the WTI gained 72 cents or 1.03% to $70.82 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold futures rose by 0.28% to $2,677.3 per Troy ounce.
