Major stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region traded mixed on Thursday as investors assessed the latest reports on services sector activity from Australia, China, and Japan. Additionally, the Bank of Japan suggested that it could hike interest rates if trade talks with the United States make progress. In politics, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stressed that trade negotiations with the US might not be concluded by July 8.
Japan's Nikkei 225 traded flat at 7:20 am CET, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng decreased by 0.98% and South Korea's Kospi climbed by 1.02%. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite added 0.11% and the Shenzhen Composite advanced by 0.84% at 7:21 am CET. A minute later, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.13%.
The dollar traded 0.16% higher against the yen at 7:23 am CET, selling for 143.91700.
