Asia Market Falls on US Data

Asian markets opened lower Tuesday, tracking sharp overnight losses on Wall Street after disappointing U.S. manufacturing data soured risk appetite

Morningstar News Team 4 February, 2014 | 10:27AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

The Nikkei tumbled 3.4%, extending yesterday's decline. The Hang Seng fell 2.4% while the All Ordinaries lost 1.6%. Mumbai's Sensex also opened weak, tracking global cues – down 0.9% in early trades.

Mainland Chinese markets remained closed for the Lunar New Year Holiday.

Growth concerns revisited the markets after dismal manufacturing report from the U.S. stirred up fears of slowdown in major economies.

The U.S. factory index for January by the Institute for Supply Management fell to 51.3 as compared with 56.5 in December. Although the reading was above the crucial mark of 50, it came in lower than expected; which hit investor confidence. Wall Street bourses logged sharp losses in response to the data.

Sentiment was already fragile in the region after an official report released in China over the weekend had shown slower industrial activity in the world's second-largest economy during January as compared with a month ago.

Lower risk appetite prompted investors to flee out of riskier assets like equities into safer havens like bullion, bonds and the yen. The yen was trading near a two-month high against the U.S. dollar, further pressurizing export-oriented stocks in Tokyo. Gold futures also staged a rally overnight as investors scuttled for safer bets.

In other news, the Australian central bank held its key interest rate steady at 2.5% in line with expectations.

Stocks on the Move

Resources stocks in Sydney turned weak along with all other sectors as growth worries preponderated.

Index heavyweight BHP Billiton (BLT) gave up 2.5% while Rio Tinto (RIO) was down 1.7%

But gold miners were shining bright following overnight gain in prices of the yellow metal. Newcrest Mining (NCM) jumped 4.2% while Northern Star Resources was up 2%.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
Newcrest Mining Ltd  
Rio Tinto PLC Registered Shares5,030.00 GBX0.08Rating

About Author

Morningstar News Team  Please direct comments about this article to the News Team.

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures