Asian markets traded mixed on Friday as investors digested Japan’s latest inflation data and broader regional growth concerns. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) reported that the Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 2.7% year-on-year in September, indicating persistent cost pressures in the industrial sector.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index (HSI) led losses, falling 1.03% to 26,478.19, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 1.01% to 48,087.75. China’s Shanghai Composite edged 0.23% lower to 3,925.03, and the Shenzhen Component dropped 1.2% to 13,561.00, as investor sentiment weakened amid lingering economic uncertainty.
On the upside, South Korea’s Kospi rose 1.43% to 3,599.9, and Taiwan’s Weighted Index gained 0.88% to 27,301.92, boosted by strong performances in technology and semiconductor stocks.
Elsewhere, Australia’s ASX 200 remained flat, dipping 0.02%, while Malaysia’s benchmark index declined 0.32%. India’s Nifty 50 stayed unchanged at 25,181.8, reflecting muted domestic trading ahead of earnings releases.
In currency markets, the US dollar slipped 0.13% against the Japanese yen, trading at ¥152.87, as investors speculated on the BOJ’s next policy move following the inflation uptick.
Market analysts said the mixed regional performance reflects caution amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around US rate policy, with investors awaiting key US inflation data for further direction.
