Asia-Pacific Markets Rise as Weakening Yen Supports Japanese Market

On Monday morning (28 October, 9:26 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), major indices in Asia Pacific exhibited an upward trend, with Japan’s Nikkei leading gains following the loss of Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) in the lower house elections that were held on Sunday.

The rise in Japan’s market was also supported by the depreciation of the yen, hitting a low of 153.32, against the US dollar.

 

Japan’s NIKKEI jumped by 1.51% to 38,485.48. South Korea’s KOSPI surged by 0.58% to 2,598.27, and Australia’s ASX 200 climbed by 0.15% to 8,223.9.

As for stocks in China, Shanghai’s SSEC increased by 0.25% to 3,308.01. Hong Kong’s HSI grew by 0.16% to 20,622.17, and Shenzhen’s SZI edged up by 0.18% to 10,639.32.

 

Meanwhile, the US stock markets were mixed on Friday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) decreased by 0.61% to 42,114.4. S&P 500 slid by 0.03% to 5,808.12, while NASDAQ rose by 0.56% to 18,518.61. VIX escalated by 6.55% to 20.33.

 

As for commodities, oil prices settled higher on Friday as investors monitored the escalating tensions in the Middle East and kept an eye on the upcoming US elections scheduled for next month. Brent futures grew $1.67 or 2.25% to $76.05 a barrel, and the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained $1.59 or 2.27% to $71.78 per barrel.

This morning, Brent futures plummeted $3.24 or 4.26% to $72.81 a barrel, and the WTI slumped $3.19 or 4.44% to $68.59 per barrel.

Meanwhile, gold futures dipped 0.37% to $2,744.5 per Troy ounce.