Hang Seng Index, ASX200, Nikkei 225: Hang Seng Jumps on China PMI

Market Overview

It was a bullish Wednesday morning session for the Asian markets, with the Hang Seng Index leading the way. The Asian markets brushed aside bearish sessions for the Dow and the NASDAQ Composite Index. US economic indicators disappointed on Tuesday, with consumer confidence weakening for a second consecutive month and house price growth slowing.

The CB Consumer Confidence Index fell from 106.0 to 102.9 in February, with the S&P/CS HPI Composite n.s.a rising by 4.6% year-over-year in December. House prices were up 6.8% in November. Elevated US mortgage rates continue to impact buyer demand, with US mortgage rates bouncing back after a brief retreat.

On Tuesday, the NASDAQ Composite Index fell by 0.10%, with the Dow Jones and S&P 500 seeing losses of 0.71% and 0.30%, respectively. This morning, the US Futures reversed early losses. The Dow mini was up 16 points, with the NASDAQ mini flat.

Private sector PMI numbers from China delivered support to riskier assets this morning. After a China data void, today’s stats provided investors with much-needed relief. The all-important Caixin Manufacturing PMI increased from 49.2 to 51.6 in February. Economists forecast a PMI of 50.2. Significantly, the manufacturing sector expanded for the first time since July 2022.