Asia report: Stocks mixed as Hong Kong announces more rule easing

Stock markets were mixed in the Asia-Pacific region on Wednesday, with Hong Kong’s bourse turning in solid gains after the city’s leadership announced a further relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 was down 0.42% at 26,340.50, as the yen weakened 0.34% against the dollar to last trade at JPY 133.95.

Automation specialist Fanuc was down 0.15%, fashion firm Fast Retailing lost 1.11%, and technology conglomerate SoftBank Group was 1.47% lower.

The broader Topix index was 0.06% weaker by the end of trading in Tokyo, settling at 1,909.02.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite slipped 0.26% to 3,087.40, and the technology-heavy Shenzhen Component was off 0.86% at 11,010.53.

South Korea’s Kospi slid 2.24% to 2,280.45, while the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong was 1.56% firmer at 19,898.91.

Sentiment in the special administrative region was given a boost after Hong Kong chief executive John Lee announced a fresh relaxation of pandemic measures.

Mandatory PCR testing for inbound travellers would be removed, with the vaccine pass scheme also set to be scrapped.

The easing of rules, due to come into effect on 29 December, would also see the lifting of all distancing measures, including the ban on gatherings of more than 12 people.

Seoul’s blue-chip technology stocks were on the back foot, with Samsung Electronics down 1.97% and SK Hynix losing 1.3%.

Oil prices were lower at the end of the Asian day, with Brent crude futures last down 0.44% on ICE at $83.96 per barrel, and the NYMEX quote for West Texas Intermediate slipping 0.35% to $79.25.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was 0.3% weaker at 7,086.40, while across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand’s S&P/NZX 50 added 0.39% to 11,539.31.

Both of the down under dollars were stronger on the greenback, with the Aussie last ahead 0.55% at AUD 1.4772, and the Kiwi advancing 0.58% to NZD 1.5841.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.