On Tuesday morning (30 December, 9:22 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), major indices in the Asia Pacific traded mixed, following losses in U.S. technology stocks amid fears that enthusiasm for artificial intelligence may have overheated the sector.
Market sentiment across the region was also dampened by escalating geopolitical tensions as Beijing began new military exercises around Taiwan. The announcement of these drills on Monday drew heightened investor attention to regional risks.
Traders are also awaiting key U.S. economic data, with home price figures scheduled for release at 9 AM ET, while minutes from the Federal Reserve’s December policy meeting are expected at 2 PM ET.
South Korea’s KOSPI rose by 0.06% to 4,223.05. Australia’s ASX 200 climbed by 0.02% to 8,727.50, while Japan’s NIKKEI decreased by 0.25% to 50,398.51.
As for stocks in China, Shenzhen’s SZI grew by 0.35% to 13,584.21. Hong Kong’s HSI surged by 0.16% to 25,675.61, while Shanghai’s SSEC slid by 0.09% to 3,961.82.
The U.S. stock markets edged down on Monday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped by 0.51% to 48,461.93. NASDAQ diminished by 0.50% to 23,474.34, and S&P 500 fell by 0.35% to 6,905.74. VIX increased by 4.41% to 14.20.
As for commodities, oil prices settled higher on Monday after Russia alleged that Ukraine targeted President Vladimir Putin’s residence. Additionally, market participants also raised concerns about the possibility of supply disruptions in the Middle East as tensions escalated in Yemen. Brent crude futures advanced $1.30, or 2.1%, to finish at $61.94 per barrel. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude increased by $1.34, or 2.4%, ending the session at $58.08.
This morning, Brent crude futures dipped 19 cents, or 0.31%, to $61.75 per barrel, and the WTI lost 19 cents, or 0.33%, to $57.89 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold futures added 0.53% to $4,366.80 per Troy ounce.
