Following a turbulent session dominated by inflation concerns, Asia-Pacific markets are showing signs of recovery. The new trading day comes with a wave of economic data expected to provide investors with fresh insights. Key indicators in focus include China’s trade numbers for March and Singapore’s first-quarter GDP figures.
China is set to release its trade data for March, with economists predicting a 2.3% year-on-year decline in exports. This follows a recent disappointment in the country’s inflation figures, adding to the overall market uncertainty.
Singapore, on the other hand, is awaiting the release of its first-quarter GDP numbers, potentially buoyed by the success of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in March – a phenomenon playfully termed “Swiftonomics.” In addition to economic data, the city-state’s central bank is expected to announce its monetary policy decision, highlighting its unique approach of using exchange rate settings over benchmark interest rates.
Elsewhere in the region, South Korea grapples with an uptick in unemployment, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index is poised for a stronger opening. Japan’s Nikkei 225 also shows promise for a rebound, contrasting with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index, which is expected to open weaker.
Overnight, tech stocks led gains in the US markets, propelling the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite into positive territory. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a slight dip. Key players like Nvidia, Amazon, Alphabet, and Apple registered notable movements, with the latter experiencing its best day in years following reports of a major strategic shift.
While the recent market turbulence signaled by inflation fears has roiled Asia-Pacific markets, the upcoming economic data and positive trends in the US could pave the way for a rebound. As investors tread cautiously in the face of uncertainties, the market’s resilience and adaptability remain key pillars in navigating the current financial landscape.
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