Asia-Pacific markets were mixed, as investors assessed Australia’s July inflation numbers, which came in higher than expected
The Nikkei 225 index gained 83.14 points, or 0.2%, to 38,371.69.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index fell 182.22 points, or 1%, to 17,692.45.
Australia’s CPI rose 3.5% year on year, slightly above the 3.4% expected by economists polled by Reuters and compared to 3.8% in June. The latest CPI figure is the lowest since March.
Minutes of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s last meeting revealed that the central bank had considered raising interest rates as it strives to tame inflation.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 slipped 18.82 points, or 0.6%, to 3,286.50, seven-month low.
Chinese online retailer JD.com announced a $5-billion buyback late Tuesday, prompting a 2.24% jump in its U.S.-listed shares, while the firm’s Hong Kong listed shares rose 1.47%.
In other markets
In Taiwan, the Taiex index dumped 55.12 points, or 0.3%, to 22,185.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index dropped 7.44 points, or 0.2%, to 3,391,03.
In Korea, the Kospi index edged higher 0.58 points to 2,689.83.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 recovered 19.49 points, or 0.2%, to 12,470.59.
In Australia, the ASX 200 inched up 0.28 points to 8,071.44.
