Stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region experienced varied growth on Wednesday, Jan. 31. While the Japanese market continued its upward trend for the third consecutive day, shares in Hong Kong faced a decline for the second session.
Hong Kong Stock Weaken as Japanese Market Gains
Hong Kong stocks weakened during trading, with the Hang Seng Index (HSI) down 1.4% at 15,485.07. On the other hand, Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index gained 0.6% to 36,286.71, showcasing positive growth.
Chinese and Singaporean Markets Experience Fluctuations
The Shanghai Composite Index, consisting of Chinese companies, fell by 1.5% to 2,788.55. Conversely, the FTSE Straits Times Index tracking Singaporean stocks saw a slight increase of 0.1% to 3,154.62.
South Korea and Australia Show Minor Changes
South Korea’s KOSPI Composite Index declined by 0.1% to 2,497.09, while the S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index of Australian stocks increased by 1.1% to 7,680.70.
Key Performers in Hang Seng Index and Nikkei 225 Index
Within the Hang Seng Index constituents, clothing company Shenzhou Intl Group witnessed the largest increase on Wednesday with a rise of 2.6%. Diversified holding companies firm CITIC and coal mining company China Shenhua Energy also experienced positive growth of 2.2% and 2.1%, respectively.
Meanwhile, optical instruments company Sunny Optical Technology faced the largest decrease in Hong Kong, with shares tumbling by 11.7% on Wednesday. Biotechnology services firm Wuxi Biologics (Cayman) and sports clothing/footwear company Anta Sports Products also saw their shares drop by 8.3% and 5.1%, respectively.
Among the Nikkei 225 Index constituents, construction machinery company Komatsu observed the largest increase with shares rising by 8.6%. Electronic office equipment firm Canon and construction machinery company Hitachi Construction Mach also performed well with gains of 7.9% and 6.9%, respectively.
However, electrical components/equipment company Alps Alpine experienced the largest decrease in Japan, with shares plunging by 15.7% on Wednesday. Basic inorganic chemicals firm Tokuyama and steel production company Pacific Metals also faced declines of 3.6% and 3.0%, respectively.
