Shares in the Asia-Pacific were mostly higher on Monday as China factory activity missed expectations, and markets look ahead to the U.S. Fed meeting later this week.
The Nikkei 225 rocketed 482.26 points, or 1.8%, to 27,587.46, the highest level since Sept. 20
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng lost 176.04 points, or 1.2%, to 14,687.02, while gaming stocks rebounded following news of an e-visa system for mainland Chinese visitors to Macao.
MGM China shares gained 2.89%, Wynn Macau rose 4.92%, Galaxy Entertainment shares climbed 2.98%. Sands China shares also rose 4.49%. Similarly, SJM Holdings inched more than 4%.
The whipsaw in gaming stocks came after seeing sharp falls earlier following lockdown notices in areas surrounding the residence of a worker at MGM China’s Cotai casino that tested positive for COVID on Sunday.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 fell 32.63 points, or 0.9%, to 3,508.70.
China’s National Bureau of Statistics released its Purchasing Managers’ Index data, with the official manufacturing print coming in at 49.2, missing expectations.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed the “need to maintain open lines of communication,” according to a State Department readout.
Blinken said that he also discussed managing U.S.-China competition “responsibly,” without elaborating further.
In other markets
In Taiwan, the Taiex recovered 161.33 points, or 1.3%, to 12,949.75.
In Korea, the Kospi index rallied 25.21 points, or 1.1%, to 2,293.61.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index gained 33.92 points, or 1.1%, to 3,093.11.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 rumbled 208.9 points, or 1.9%, to 11,338.43.
In Australia, the ASX 200 jumped 77.74 points, 1.2%, to 6,863.46.
