Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose on Thursday, as investors digested business activity data from Australia and Japan.
The Nikkei 225 index recovered 259.21 points, or 0.7%, to 38,211.01.
Japan’s business activity expanded at a faster pace in August, with the composite purchasing managers index climbing to 53.0 from July’s 52.5.
The country’s manufacturing sector swung back to growth, while its services sector saw a faster expansion.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index barreled ahead 249.99 points, or 1.4%, to 17,641.
The Bank of Korea has also held its benchmark interest rate at 3.5%, in line with expectations. The BOK noted in its release that inflation in South Korea has continued its downward trend, although it did point out that there was a need to monitor real estate prices and household debt.
Australian indices rose after the country’s flash composite purchasing managers’ index in August climbed to 51.4 from 49.9 the month before, reaching a three-month high and underpinned by rising services activity, Judo Bank said.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 lost 85 points, or 0.3%, to 3,313.14. At this level, the CSI is just four points away from its six-month low.
In other markets
In Taiwan, the Taiex index dumped 89.06 points, or 0.4%, to 22,148.83.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index slid 0.18 points to 3,373.58.
In Korea, the Kospi index edged higher 6.54 points, or 0.2%, to 2,707.67.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 fell 33.62 points, or 0.3%, to 12,469.35.
In Australia, the ASX 200 gained 16.47 points, or 0.2%, to 8,026.96.
