Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Thursday as investors digested a slew of economic data across the region.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index slumped 405.51 points, or 1.2%, to 32,490.52, as the country posted a surprise trade surplus of 43 billion yen ($308 million U.S.), its first surplus in 23 months.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng docked 24.29 points, or 0.1%, to 18,928.01.
Australian markets rose marginally, as its unemployment rate for June fell slightly to 3.5%, compared to the 3.6% seen in May.
CHINA
In China, the CSI 300 sank 27.18 points, or 0.7%, to 3,823.69.
China kept its one- and five-year loan prime rates unchanged, days after China’s second quarter GDP came in below expectations.
In other markets
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index handed over 0.86 points to 3,274.38.
In Korea, the Kospi Index sank 8.01 points to 2,600.23.
In Taiwan, the Taiex index gained 48.45 points, or 0.3%, to 17,164,89.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 dipped 12.43 points, or 0.1%, to 11,932.11.
In Australia, ASX 200 nicked up 1.33 points to 7,325.05.
