Asian Markets Rise Amid US Inflation Data

Asian stock markets showed muted gains amid thin holiday trading, influenced by a rally in major US technology companies that boosted US benchmarks. While shares in mainland China opened higher, Japan and Australia experienced mixed results. Despite this, the MSCI’s Asian equity benchmark is poised for its first quarterly loss since September 2023, down 7%, as concerns over global tariffs and China's economic recovery persist. Additionally, Nissan Motor Co. saw a significant drop in shares amid integration talks with Honda, which experienced a surge in its stock price. South Korean consumer confidence has plummeted due to political turmoil, raising concerns about potential economic slowdowns. Overall, market activity is expected to remain subdued as many traders are expected to log off for the holidays.