» Asia rises on Japan policy moves

Asia rises on Japan policy moves

Filed under:

Asia News

Asia rises on Japan policy moves

Asian shares rose on Friday, building on day-earlier gains as investors took a Bank of Japan move to slowly tighten credit as a sign of optimism in the long-term prospects of the world’s number-two economy.

However, the yen was pinned near two-week lows because investors don’t expect an immediate rate rise despite the Bank of Japan’s announcement it was dropping a super-loose monetary policy.

Japanese government bond (JGB) yields rose in anticipation of a rate hike later this year, oil and gold were flat, and London spread betters called the FTSE 100 14-17 points lower.

The Nikkei share average closed up 0.49 percent at 16,115.63, stretching Thursday’s 2.6 percent advance. The broader TOPIX index climbed 0.38 percent. Both indexes ended off the day’s highs after weaker-than-expected machinery orders data dampened some of the economic optimism.

More: edition.cnn.com

Related Travel Information

Treasuries ease in Asia ahead of auction

Treasuries ease in Asia ahead of auction U.S. Treasuries eased in Asia on Wednesday ahead of an auction of 10-year notes, although analysts said the Federal Reserves decision to keep interest rates unchanged was generally positive for bonds. The Fed held rates at 5.25 percent after its policy meeting on Tuesday, ending a two-year run of consecutive rate rises. While the accompanying policy statement left open the possibility of more rate rises, some analysts saw the overall tone as friendly for the bond market. I basically think (Fed) rate rises are over. When you look at yesterdays statement it seems an

Indian shares fall on mixed Asia; Karachi rises

Indian shares fall on mixed Asia; Karachi rises Indian shares fell nearly 1 percent on Tuesday to end below the 12,000 mark as investors took profits after five sessions of gains and on mixed Asian markets ahead of a U.S. Federal Reserve meeting on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but investors will look for clues on future rate policy. A slew of U.S. economic data is also expected this week. The key 30-share BSE index ended down 0.84 percent at 11,970.47 points. Losers beat gainers 1,582 to 924 on trade of 230 million shares. Heavyweight Reliance Industries

Asia stocks to focus on oil, Fed meeting

Asia stocks to focus on oil, Fed meeting Lower oil prices may help underpin Asian stock markets this week as worries about inflation ease, but further direction is expected to come from the outcome of the Federal Reserves policy-setting meeting. The U.S. central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged on Wednesday following recent evidence of slower U.S. growth, while investors will be on the look-out for clues to future rate moves. Still, worries about slower global growth mean any market gains may be limited, some analysts say. More : za.today.reuters.com

Asia stocks up modestly, dlr steadies before Fed

Asia stocks up modestly, dlr steadies before Fed Asian stock markets made modest gains on Tuesday as investors waited for the first policy decision of the Federal Reserve under chairman Ben Bernanke and, more importantly, clues on the outlook for U.S interest rates. Gold held above $566 an ounce, even as the dollar recouped some early losses, while oil stayed just above $64 a barrel as threats of attacks on oil facilities in Nigeria put a floor under prices. The Fed is expected to lift U.S. interest rates to 4.75 percent from 4.5 percent later on Tuesday, in what would be the 15th

LEAD: Japan eyes launching E. Asia-wide FTA talks in 2008+

LEAD: Japan eyes launching E. Asia-wide FTA talks in 2008+ Japan will propose to 15 Asian neighbors launching talks in 2008 aimed at a region-wide free trade agreement as a precursor to establishing an East Asian economic community, trade minister Toshihiro Nikai said Tuesday. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Nikai told a press conference Japan will ask the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and China, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand to consider the regional FTA talks. If realized, the economic zone would include half the world's population and a quarter of its gross domestic product, officials said. The idea will be

Asia News