Asian stocks fall ahead of US inflation data

Asian stock markets mostly fell on the morning of December 5, as investors were cautious ahead of the release of important inflation data in the US.

Stock index board in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Kyodo/VNA

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index fell 657.37 points (1.29%) to 50,371.05 points in the first 15 minutes of trading. Profit-taking pressure appeared after the index rose more than 1,700 points in the past three days, plus the yield on 10-year government bonds hit its highest level since July 2007, due to concerns about the Bank of Japan (BoJ) raising interest rates.

In South Korea, the Kospi index also faced profit-taking pressure when it fell 9.69 points (0.24%) to 4,018.82 points at the opening.

The Chinese market also started the session in the red with the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong falling 0.4% to 25,833.11 points. The Shanghai Composite index in Shanghai fell 0.07% to 3,873.12 points.

In other markets, stocks in Sydney, Taipei (China), Manila and Jakarta recorded slight gains, while Singapore and Wellington fell.

Global stocks are struggling to maintain last week's gains after comments from Fed officials suggested they want to ease monetary policy further. All eyes are now on the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) index - the US Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge - due later on December 5 (local time).

A lower-than-expected result could bolster hopes for a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in 2026. Currently, the market is betting that the Fed has a 90% chance of cutting interest rates on December 10.

Michael Hewson of investment consultancy MCH Market Insights said that despite recent private reports showing signs of slowing in the US labor market, the economy remains resilient. He warned that the market has already priced in expectations for another round of cuts, so any delay could have a significant negative impact.

In the domestic market, at 10:15 a.m. on December 5, the VN-Index increased by 9.65 points (0.56%) to 1,746.89 points. The HNX-Index decreased by 0.99 points (0.38%) to 261.32 points.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thi-truong-tien-te/chung-khoan-chau-a-di-xuong-truoc-khi-my-cong-bo-so-lieu-lam-phat-20251205105022258.htm