Asian markets kept their nerve on Monday as data showed the Chinese economy slowed at the end of last year, underlining the urgent need for more stimulus as Beijing wrestles with the United States over trade.
Stocks
- MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (MIAPJ0000PUS) up 0.2 percent, after rising 1.6 percent last week.
- Chinese blue chips (CSI300) gained 0.7 percent.
- Japan’s Nikkei (N225) added 0.3 percent.
- The Australian dollar, often used a liquid proxy for China investments, nudged up to $0.7167.
- E-Mini future for the S&P 500 (ESc1) eased 0.2 percent.
Currencies
- Against a basket of currencies, the dollar was a shade softer at 96.295 (DXY).
- The dollar held firm on the yen at 109.61.
- The EURO traded at $1.1375 (EUR=).
- The uncertainty kept sterling sidelined at $1.2867.
Commodities
- U.S. crude futures (CLc1) gained 23 cents to $54.03 a barrel.
- Brent crude (LCOc1) rose 24 cents to $62.94 a barrel.
- Spot gold was steady at $1,281.79 per ounce.
