Asia Pacific Markets Decrease as US Inflation in March Moves Faster Than Expected

On Thursday morning (11 Apr, 9:24 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), most major indices in Asia Pacific decreased as investors raised concerns over the possibility for the US Federal Reserve to prolong its interest rates level after the country’s inflation in March exceeded expectations.

 

Japan’s NIKKEI dropped by 0.76% to 39,280.25. South Korea’s KOSPI decreased by 0.38% to 2,694.77, and Australia’s ASX 200 slid by 0.67% to 7,796.3.

As for stocks in China, Shanghai’s SSEC grew by 0.21% to 3,033.78. Shenzhen’s SZI edged up by 0.14% to 9,311.11, while Hong Kong’s HSI declined by 0.94% to 16,977.79.

 

Meanwhile, the US stock markets edged down on Wednesday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) contracted by 1.09% to 38,461.51. NASDAQ lost 0.84% to 16,170.36, and S&P 500 dropped by 0.95% to 5,160.64. VIX jumped by 5.47% to 15.8.

 

As for commodities, oil prices settled higher on Wednesday as the Israeli military confirmed their attack in the Gaza Strip, killing three sons of a Hamas leader. The circumstances raised concerns among traders over the potential interruption of the ceasefire talks. Brent gained $1.06 or 1.2% to $90.48 per barrel, and the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 98 cents or 1.2% to $86.21 a barrel.

This morning, Brent increased 19 cents or 0.21% to $90.67 a barrel, and WTI rose 16 cents or 0.19% to $86.37 per barrel.

Meanwhile, gold futures grew by 0.42% to $2,358.2 per Troy ounce.