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International

Sinking Oil Prices Spur Asian Stock Markets Higher

Asian stock markets rallied on Monday following statements from Tehran and Washington that Persian Gulf hostilities may soon cease, and on resultant tumbling oil prices.Brent oil futures traded down 5.2% to $82.76 a barrel during Asian trading hours.Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo finished in the green, as did most other regional exchanges.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher and rose to the close, finishing up 5% as traders waded back into tech issues.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 3,297.46 to 69,317.50, striking a fresh all-time high, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 171 to 51.Leading the upside was semiconductor materials maker Taiyo Yuden, up 22.6%, while CyberAgent declined 5.1%.In economic news, Japan's tertiary (services) industry index increased 1.3% in April from March, and by 2.2% on the year, reported the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened higher and held ground, closing up 0.5% as tech-sector gains offset declines in oil and property shares.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 124.57 to 24,842.67 as gaining issues outnumbered losers 52 to 41. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 1.3% on the day, but the Mainland Properties Index fell 1.9%.Leading the upside was computer maker Lenovo, gaining 9.3%, while Aluminum Corporation of China declined 8.5%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 1.6% to 4,096.47.On the other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI rose 5.2%; the Taiwan TWSE advanced 2.8%; the Australian ASX 200 gained 1.2%; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 1%, and the Thai Set was steady. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 1%.The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 2.9% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Market Chatter: Hong Kong Bourse, Kazakhstan Financial Zone Urge Miners to Explore Dual Listings

Hong Kong Stock Exchange is working with the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to encourage mining forms in Kazakhstan to consider a dual listing in Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported Monday.Hong Kong and AIFC reached an important milestone when various partnership contracts were signed earlier in June during Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's Central Asia visit, the newswire reported citing AIFC governor Renat Bekturov.The partnerships involve "creating new channels through which capital, expertise, innovation and investment opportunities can move more efficiently between Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, and the wider Central Asian region," Bekturov said to the SCMP in an interview.Bekturov believes Hong Kong's role as an international fundraising platform will become increasingly relevant for Kazakh issuers, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Hang Seng
Asia

Market Chatter: Hong Kong Listed Companies Chamber Urges Easier IPO Rules for Innovators

The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies urged regulators to further ease listing requirements for innovative companies, saying lower barriers would help attract more technology firms to raise capital in the city, the South China Morning Post reported.Chairman Chan Ka-keung said Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing's proposed "novelty test" for companies seeking weighted voting rights listings sets an overly high threshold and could exclude quality firms that were not the first to adopt a technology or business model, according to the report.Chan said Hong Kong should remain competitive with other listing venues in attracting innovative companies, the newspaper reported.The chamber also supports proposals to lower market capitalization requirements for weighted-voting-rights issuers and to allow confidential filing of listing applications, according to the report.Separately, the chamber launched the Hong Kong International Capital Markets Affairs Committee to help listing candidates understand local listing rules and support listed companies' fundraising efforts, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Hang Seng
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks Start Week Marginally Higher; Two Firms File to Go Public in Hong Kong

Hong Kong stocks began the week marginally higher as markets reacted to news of Iran and the U.S. reaching a preliminary deal to end hostilities and reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz.The Hang Seng Index rose by around 124.57 points, or roughly 0.5%, to end at 24,842.67, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index finished near flat, inching up 1.31 points, or 0.02%.U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social on Monday that the deal with Iran would keep the Strait of Hormuz permanently open "toll-free" to shipping. He also authorized the immediate removal of the U.S. naval blockade from the key waterway.In local development, Hong Kong's index of industrial production for manufacturing industries increased 3.1% year over year in the first quarter of 2026, but was below the 5.8% expansion recorded in the previous quarter.By major sector, output volume was driven by a 6.6% rise in the metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry, while the food, beverages and tobacco sector grew by 2.1%.Elsewhere, the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies urged regulators to further ease listing requirements for innovative companies, saying that lower barriers would help attract more technology firms to raise capital in the city, the South China Morning Post reported, citing comments from its chairman, Chan Ka-keung.In corporate news, two Chinese firms filed to go public in Hong Kong.Shaanxi Micot Pharmaceutical Technology (HKG:2335) said it was seeking HK$1.22 billion via the sale of 58.1 million H shares at an indicative maximum price of HK$21.00 per share. The biotechnology firm is raising funds to advance clinical development of its drug candidates.Meanwhile, Shanghai Seer Intelligent Technology (HKG:6106) is targeting as much as HK$1.07 billion with its offering of 10.5 million H shares at an indicative price of HK$101.60 per share. The robotics company will use proceeds to advance its technology and infrastructure.

Hang SengHKG:2335HKG:6106
International

Asia Week Ahead: Central Bank Decisions; Inflation; and Trade

The week ahead in Asia will be packed with a number of central bank decisions and macroeconomic data, with investors set to track the impact of the Middle East conflict on regional economies.The economic calendar starts quietly on Monday with services activity data from Japan, whole inflation figures from India and New Zealand's services PMI.Activity picks up Tuesday as the Reserve Bank of Australia and Bank of Japan announce policy decisions, while China releases a batch of closely watched activity indicators.Wednesday shifts the focus to trade, with Japan and Singapore due to report May figures.Thursday brings a cluster of central bank decisions from Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines, with New Zealand's first-quarter GDP and Thailand's trade data also on deck.Friday rounds out the week with inflation data from Japan and Malaysia, with New Zealand reporting trade numbers.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, June 14The week was off to a relatively light start with a handful of releases from India, New Zealand, and Japan.Japan released its tertiary industry activity index for April, a measure of change in the total value of services provided and consumed by the country's service sector.The index rose a seasonally adjusted 1.3% month on month, reversing from a 0.6% decline in the prior month and recording its first increase in three months.It also beat the Trading Economics forecast of a 0.5% increase.In New Zealand, the BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index fell to 47.5 in May from a downwardly revised 48.7 in April, marking a fourth straight month of contraction in the services sector. Trading Economics said the decline came as the Iran war weighed on business activity.India's annual wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation rate rose to 9.68% year over year in May. The reading was higher than the consensus forecast of 9.10% tracked by Investing.com and compared with an 8.26% pace recorded in the prior month.Later Monday, India reports unemployment stats for May.TUESDAY, June 16Macro activity picks up Tuesday with central bank decisions scheduled in Australia and Japan, and a slew of monthly data from China.The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to hold the official cash rate steady at 4.35%, according to a Trading Economics consensus.Economists at National Australia Bank said the latest decision would mark the end of the tightening cycle, with the next move likely down and now expected in the second quarter of 2027.In contrast, the Bank of Japan is forecasted to raise interest rates by 25 basis points to 1%, according to a Trading Economics consensus estimate.Bloomberg reported earlier June that the central bank was considering raising the policy rate amid high uncertainties over the Middle East conflict. Officials were expected to sift through as much data as possible until the last minute before making a final decision, though the decision to raise rates was unlikely to be unanimous, according to the report.China's industrial production and retail sales stats will also be in the news, alongside monthly unemployment and housing price data.Markets will review the figures to gauge how well the country's economy is faring amid the Middle East conflict. According to the Wall Street Journal, the data is likely to indicate overall improvement and economic resilience despite the macro headwinds.Hong Kong will report unemployment data the same day, while trade stats will be in focus in India and South Korea.In New Zealand, markets will await food inflation data which is expected to show "modest increases," according to CommBank.WEDNESDAY, June 17Focus shifts Wednesday to trade data from Singapore and Japan.Japan is expected to record a trade deficit of 564.6 billion yen in May, reversing from a 301.9 billion yen surplus a month earlier, according to a Trading Economics consensus.Wednesday will also bring the Reuters Tankan Index for June, a key gauge of Japanese business confidence, along with monthly machinery orders data.Meanwhile, Singapore's trade surplus is expected to narrow to $7 billion in May from $13.07 billion in April, according to Trading Economics. The city-state is also due to release monthly non-oil export data.A forward-looking report from Westpac capturing consumer confidence in New Zealand is also scheduled for Wednesday.THURSDAY, June 18Central banks across Taiwan, Indonesia and The Philippines will meet for interest rate decisions Thursday.Bank Indonesia will be in focus after it unexpectedly raised interest rates by 25 basis points earlier this month to support the rupiah.While some economists expect the central bank to deliver another 25 basis point hike, ING expects Bank Indonesia to hold rates steady and instead prioritize alternative measures to attract foreign capital inflows and stabilize the currency.The Philippines' central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, is widely expected to raise its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 4.75% amid persistent inflationary pressure, according to a Trading Economics consensus.Meanwhile, Taiwan's central bank is expected to hold rates steady at 2%. ING said it will be monitoring the Central Bank of the Republic of China's press conference for clues on a possible rate hike in the third quarter.Elsewhere, New Zealand will report its first quarter gross domestic product growth rate. CommBank said it expects quarterly growth to reach 0.8%, shy of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's 1% forecast.While the economy started 2026 with a decent moment, there will be "pockets of weakness" highlighting that economic recovery was a "bit patchy," CommBank said in a preview.Lastly, Thursday will feature Thailand's trade figures for May.FRIDAY, June 19The week rounds off with closely watched inflation data from Japan.According to ING, May's consumer prices could record a rise of 1.6% year on year, accelerating marginally from 1.4% in April. The subdued increase would reflect government measures, though price pressures are likely to broaden, ING said.Malaysia's headline inflation, also due the same day, is similarly expected to show a marginal rise to 2% year-on-year in May from 1.9% in April due to government fuel subsidies and stable food prices, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing DBS.Malaysia will additionally report monthly trade figures on Friday, while Macao will release monthly inflation data the same day.Trade figures from New Zealand will also feature Friday. According to a Trading Economics consensus, New Zealand's May trade surplus could narrow to NZ$875 million from NZ$1.92 billion a month earlier.South Korea's producer price inflation will also be among the highlights of the day.

ASX 200^BSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225Nifty 50^NZ50^PSEIM^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

US, Iran Reach Peace Agreement, Formal Signing Due Friday

U.S. and Iranian officials have confirmed a peace agreement to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a formal pact expected to be signed in Switzerland on Friday.U.S. President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that the agreement with Iran was "complete" and authorized the immediate lifting of the U.S. naval blockade.Separately, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that an agreement had been reached to end the conflict, according to multiple media reports.Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who mediated the negotiations, said in a post on X that the peace accord would be signed on Friday, June 19.Sharif added that both sides had agreed to an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including in Lebanon.

^BSE^HNXHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSE^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Hong Kong Industrial Production Sees Slower Growth in Q1
US Markets

Hong Kong Industrial Production Sees Slower Growth in Q1

Hong Kong's index of industrial production for manufacturing industries saw slower growth in the first quarter as an increase in output of the computers sector failed to offset a deceleration in the textile sector.The figure increased 3.1% year over year to 107.7 in the first quarter of 2026, above the baseline of 100 set in 2015, according to data from the city's Census and Statistics Department released FridayThe performance decelerated from the 5.8% expansion to 109.5 recorded in the previous quarter. It also missed a forecast of 3.8% tracked by Trading Economics.The corresponding producer price index jumped 17.7% year over year in the first three months of 2025, faster than the 9.5% rise in the previous quarter.By major sector, output volume was driven by a 6.6% rise in the metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry to 92.2, but below the baseline of 100.Miscellaneous manufacturing industries increased 5% to an index reading of 111.3.The food, beverages and tobacco sector grew by 2.1% to 99.2, still below the baseline.Conversely, output in the textiles and wearing apparel sector fell 4.7% year over year to an index of 69.3, the department said.The paper products sector slipped 2.6% from the same period last year to an index reading of 87.9.Hong Kong's sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities fell 1.6% in the first quarter, slower than the 2% decline recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.The corresponding producer price index jumped 3.5% year over year in the first three months of 2025, faster than the 0.2% rise in the previous quarter.On a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter basis, manufacturing production decreased 2.6% quarter on quarter, down from an increase of 1.3% in the previous quarter.

Hang Seng
International

Persian Gulf, Oil Price Outlooks Buoy Asian Stocks Markets

Asian stock markets rallied on Friday after US President Donald Trump overnight again signaled that a peace deal with Tehran is on the cusp.Brent crude oil prices, which had touched above $95 a barrel on Thursday, dropped to the $86 range in Friday action, on hopes the Strait of Hormuz could reopen.Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo exchanges finished in the green, as did most other regional exchanges.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened higher on Wall Street cues and gained thereafter, finishing up 2.8%.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 1,802.77 to 66,020.04, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 153 to 71.Leading the upside was materials producer Mitsui Kinzoku, up 17.6%, while semiconductor components maker Taiyo Yuden declined 5.4%.In other news, memory chip and device maker Kioxia gained 7.6% on the day, supplanting Toyota Motor (TM) as Japan's most valuable listed company by market capitalization.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened higher and tracked upwards, closing up 1.9%.The broad gauge Hang Seng rose 468.81 to 24,718.10, as gaining issues outnumbered losers 82 to 11. The Hang Seng TECH Index gained 1.1% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 1.4%.Leading the upside was Chow Tai Fook Jewelry, gaining 15.2% after reporting earnings, while computer-maker Lenovo declined 2.4%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite rose 1.1% to 4,031.51.On other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI rose 4.6%; the Taiwan TWSE gained 2.4%; the Australian ASX 200 advanced 2%; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.8%; and the Thai Set rose 1.3%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 2.3%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index rose 2.7% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
International

Hong Kong's Manufacturing Output Rises 3.1% YoY in Q1

Hong Kong's index of industrial production for manufacturing industries increased 3.1% year over year in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released on Friday.The performance decelerated from the 5.8% expansion recorded in the previous quarter.By major sector, output volume was driven by a 6.6% rise in the metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry, while the food, beverages and tobacco sector grew by 2.1%.Conversely, output in the textiles and wearing apparel sector fell 4.7%% from the same period last year.On a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter basis, manufacturing production decreased 2.6% compared with the previous quarter.

Hang Seng
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks Gain on Prospects for US-Iran Peace Deal; Alibaba Gains on Pupu Bid

Hong Kong stocks rebounded Friday on hopes for a breakthrough in U.S.-Iran negotiations.The Hang Seng Index rose 1.9%, or 468.81 points, to close at 24,718.10, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index gained 1.9%, or 157.35 points, to finish at 8,374.43.U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that a peace agreement with Iran could be reached as soon as this weekend, just hours after warning of further military action if talks failed.According to Iranian media, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the agreement was largely complete and reiterated that Iran would not compromise on its red lines.Oil prices fell to their lowest levels in two months, easing concerns over inflation and the potential economic fallout.In corporate news, Alibaba (HKG:9988) closed nearly 3% higher after Bloomberg News reported that it had offered $1.5 billion to acquire the Chinese grocery-delivery platform Pupu.Fujian-based Pupu is one of the few remaining independent online grocery platforms in China, according to the report.

Hang SengHKG:9988
Asia

Market Chatter: China's Dreame Technology Explores Hong Kong Listing

Chinese robot appliance maker Dreame Technology is considering a Hong Kong listing that could raise several hundred million dollars, Bloomberg reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.The firm has hired advisers for the potential listing, though deliberations are ongoing and details may change, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Hang SengShanghai Composite^SZSE
International

World Bank Forecasts Slower East Asia-Pacific Growth in 2026

The World Bank lowered its 2026 economic growth forecast for the East Asia and Pacific region as the conflict in the Middle East raises energy costs, disrupts supply chains, and weighs on external demand.The international organization said it expects growth in East Asia and the Pacific to moderate to 4.2% in 2026 from 5.0% in 2025, according to its Global Economic Prospects report released Thursday.Growth in the region is projected to edge up to 4.3% in 2027 and 2028 as energy prices ease and geopolitical uncertainty diminishes.Excluding China, economic growth is forecast at 4.4% in 2026, down from 4.8% in 2025, before improving to 4.9% in 2027 and 2028.

Hang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^SZSE
Asia

Market Chatter: Asia May Face Stagflation Amid Middle East Crisis, ADB President Says

With the war in the Middle East driving up inflation in global economies, Asian economies are at risk of stagflation, Nikkei Asia reported Thursday, citing Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda.As inflation pressures mount, "There is now a risk of stagflation spiral" due to "declines in demand through lower real wages, and increases in debt burdens from higher interest rates," Kanda told the news outlet on the sidelines of Nikkei's annual Future of Asia forum.According to Kanda, higher shipping, energy, and input costs will lead to a further rise in consumer prices in Asia. There was a risk that the supply chain system would "physically stop functioning," he said.Asian countries are especially impacted by the energy crisis arising from the Middle East war, as they are highly dependent on energy imports that come in through the Strait of Hormuz, the report added."In addition to diversification of the destination of oil and gas, accelerated use of renewable energy and safe nuclear power, as well as stronger energy saving, should have been promoted," Kanda said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^BSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSENifty 50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: Thailand's Minor Food Weighs Singapore IPO Instead of Hong Kong

Thailand's Minor International is reportedly weighing a public listing for its restaurant unit, Minor Food Group, in Singapore rather than Hong Kong amid strong interest from investors in the city-state.Bloomberg News reported Thursday, citing sources, that the group, which operates brands including Burger King, Dairy Queen, and The Pizza Company, could raise more than $400 million. Financial advisers are assisting, though no final decision has been made, according to the report.Minor International did not immediately respond to' request for comment.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Hang Seng^SET^STI
Asia

Hong Kong Mortgage Corp Prices HK$12 Billion Inaugural Digital Bonds

The Hong Kong Mortgage Corp (HKMC) priced HK$12 billion of inaugural digital bonds, marking the largest-ever digital bond issue to date.The bonds, priced under a $30 billion medium-term note program, comprised HK$6 billion two-year, HK$2.5 billion five-year, and 3 billion yuan three-year digital bonds, according to a Thursday release on the Hong Kong Monetary Authority website.

Hang Seng
International

Tech-Sector, Persian Gulf Roil Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets churned on Thursday, as traders viewed tech-sector gyrations and fresh hostilities in the Persian Gulf.Tokyo inched into the green, but Hong Kong and Shanghai lost ground. Other regional exchanges were also choppy.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened lower but eked out a gain, finishing up 0.1% as tech issues firmed after recent declines.The benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 38.00 to 64,217.27, although losing issues outnumbered gainers 141 to 81.Leading the upside was IT conglomerate Toppan, up 15.7%, while vehicle maker Archion declined 6.1%.In economic news, Japan's Business Survey Index for large companies declined to negative 0.5 in Q2 from positive 4.4 in Q1, as enterprises cited rising costs connected to Middle East turmoil, reported the Cabinet Office.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index opened evenly but lost ground, closing down 0.7% as strength in property issues could not offset tech-sector losses.The broad gauge Hang Seng fell 158.67 to 24,249.29, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 62 to 28. The Hang Seng TECH Index lost 1.5% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 1.2%.Leading the upside was insurer AIA, gaining 5%, while e-commerce colossus Alibaba declined 5.4%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.2% to 3,987.01.On the other regional exchanges, the South Korean KOSPI rose 0.4%; the Taiwan TWSE declined 0.2%; the Australian ASX 200 declined 0.2%; the Singapore Straits Times Index rose 0.6%, and the Thai Set advanced 0.6%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was down 0.1%The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index fell 0.4% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Hong Kong Stocks Slide Amid US Sanctions, Middle East Escalation; Alibaba, JD.com Fall on Regulatory Scrutiny

Hong Kong stocks extended losses Thursday as fresh U.S. sanctions on China- and Hong Kong-linked entities over alleged ties to Iran's military and escalating tensions in the Middle East weighed on sentiment.The Hang Seng Index fell 0.7%, or 158.67 points, to close at 24,249.29, while the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index dropped 1.2%, or 101.65 points, to finish at 8,217.08.The U.S. government on Wednesday imposed sanctions on 11 individuals and entities, including several in China and Hong Kong, for allegedly supporting weapons procurement for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and military.Nine of those targeted were China- and Hong Kong-based individuals and companies, while another Hong Kong firm was accused of operating within Iran's covert banking network, according to the U.S. Treasury.Meanwhile, Washington launched a fresh round of strikes against multiple targets in Iran, according to the U.S. military, prompting Tehran to announce the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz.In corporate news, Alibaba (HKG:9988) closed over 5% lower after Beijing regulators called in major e-commerce platforms over alleged misleading promotions during the annual "618" shopping festival.JD.com (HKG:9618) closed nearly 3% lower after being named among the platforms summoned by regulators.

Hang SengHKG:9618HKG:9988
Asia

Market Chatter: Ant Group-Backed Akulaku Eyes Hong Kong IPO

Ant Group-backed Indonesian fintech Akulaku is considering an initial public offering in Hong Kong that could raise more than $300 million, Deal Street Asia reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.The digital finance platform could debut as soon as July, according to the report.Akulaku previously explored a public listing in 2022, including via a SPAC transaction, but the plan did not proceed.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Hang Seng
Asia Markets

Tech Hesitation, Geopolitics Blunt Asian Stock Markets

Asian stock markets lost ground on Wednesday as tech shares wavered again, and as traders weighed fresh hostilities in the Persian Gulf.The pending release of the US consumer price index (CPI), slated for Wednesday morning in Washington, and which might influence Federal Reserve policy, also cautioned investors.Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo finished in the red, as did most other regional exchanges.In Japan, the Nikkei 225 opened lower and could not recover, finishing off 0.7%.The benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 1,237.36 to 64,179.27, as losing issues outnumbered gainers 125 to 99.Leading the upside was property company Mitsubishi Estates, up 5.2%, while semiconductor components maker Taiyo Yuden declined 12.9%.In economic news, Japan's producer price index (PPI) in May rose 0.9% from April and 6.3% on the year, pushed by energy and IT hardware costs, reported the Bank of Japan.In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index fell on new US trade sanctions and geopolitical concerns, closing down 0.6%.Market sentiment was bruised after the US Department of Defense on Tuesday expanded its blacklist of Chinese companies, including names such as e-commerce colossus Alibaba, automaker BYD, and search-engine giant Baidu, due to alleged military links.The broad gauge Hang Seng fell 157.94 to 24,407.96, although gaining issues outnumbered losers 53 to 29. The Hang Seng TECH Index lost 0.9% on the day, while the Mainland Properties Index rose 0.7%.Leading the upside was Geely Automobile, gaining 4%, while computer maker Lenovo declined 9.4%.On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.4% to 3,993.23.In economic news, China's consumer price index rose 1.2% on the year in May, reported the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).The nation's producer price index gained 3.9% on the year in May, boosted by energy bills, according to the NBS.On the other regional exchanges, the tech-heavy South Korean KOSPI fell 4.5% while the Taiwan TWSE declined 3.3%.The Australian ASX 200 inclined 0.6%; the Singapore Straits Times Index fell 1.3%, and the Thai Set declined 1.3%. In late trading in Mumbai, the Sensex was up 0.1%.The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index fell 2.1% on the day.

Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite
Asia

Asia-Pacific NBFIs Face Controlled Refinancing Risk in 2026, Fitch Says

Asia-Pacific's emerging market nonbank financial institutions (NBFIs) should observe controlled refinancing risk this year, Fitch Ratings said.Most issuers' near-term funding profiles continue to be stable amid ample domestic liquidity, solid bank funding access, and predominantly solid shareholder or government support, Fitch said.The rating agency's view comes even as the entities face modestly higher refinancing needs and unstable offshore funding conditions due to the Iran conflict.The sector's greater dependence on short-term funding compared to other regions reflects specific business models rather than weaker refinancing ability, according to Fitch.Offshore US dollar issuance could still provide gains in 2026 amid tighter market access due to high funding costs, volatile yields, and geopolitical risks, Fitch said.Greater-than-expected tightening in domestic liquidity, resurgent upward pressure on US dollar yields, or expanding credit spreads serve as risks for the sector, the rating agency said.

ASX 200Hang SengNikkei 225Shanghai Composite^SZSE

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