Asia-Pacific shares traded lower, taking the lead from losses on Wall Street ahead of the release of some economic data in the region.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 faded after Thursday gains, losing 272.62 points, or 1%, to 26,235.25.
Core consumer prices in Japan rose 3.7% in November on an annualized basis, marking the fastest pace since December 1981. The Japanese yen stood at 132.5 against the U.S. dollar, around the strongest levels it’s seen in four months.
The Bank of Japan had hinted at an upcoming policy shift during its October monetary policy meeting, minutes from its meeting on October 27 and 28 showed.
One member noted that it was “important to continue to examine how future exit strategies would affect the market and whether market participants would be well prepared for them,” the statement said.
While members of the central bank’s policy board members highlighted the need to its long-held dovish stance, while noting the need for “paying attention to the side effects of monetary easing,” the minutes showed.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng dropped 86.16 points, or 0.4%, to 19,593.06, in its final hour of trade as investors digest China’s longer-than-expected reopening path.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is in talks with suppliers to build its first European chip plant in Dresden, Germany, Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The company will reportedly send senior executives to Germany to discuss government support levels and local supply chain. The plant will aim to focus on 22nm and 29nm chip technologies, the report said.
Shares of the firm listed in Taiwan traded 2.8% lower in Asia’s trade on Friday.
Singapore’s core inflation print rose 5.1% in November on an annualized basis, remaining unchanged from October’s figure.
The reading was higher than estimates in a Reuters poll forecasting a 5% increase, driven by moderate increases in the services and electricity costs, according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 shed 7.81 points, or 0.2%, to 3,828.22.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and discussed Russia’s war on Ukraine, the situation on COVID and U.S.-China bilateral relations.
A readout of the meeting from the Chinese foreign ministry added that the two also discussed issues around Taiwan.
In other markets
In Taiwan, the Taiex stumbled 171.31 points, or 1.2%, to 14,271.63
In Korea, the Kospi index erased 43.04 points, or 1.8%, to 2,313.69.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index fell 11.83 points, or 0.4%, to 3,257.70.
In Australia, the ASX 200 lost 44.81 points, or 0.6%, to 7,107.69
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 retreated 29 points, or 0.3%, to 11,494.96.
