Japanese Shares Soar for Fourth Consecutive Session
Asia-Pacific stocks experienced mostly positive movement on Wednesday, December 27. Japanese shares climbed for the fourth session in a row, contributing to the overall upward trend in the region.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index Increases by 1.7%
The Hang Seng Index (HSI) of Hong Kong companies saw a significant increase of 1.7%, reaching 16,624.84. This surge reflects the positive sentiment in the market and hints at a favorable economic climate.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index Rises by 1.1%
Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index (NIK) also recorded a notable rise of 1.1%, ending the day at 33,681.24. This uptick further solidifies the positive trend in the region and suggests a strengthening economy.
Other Notable Gainers
China’s Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP) gained 0.5% to reach 2,914.61, while Singapore’s FTSE Straits Times Index (STI) added 1.0% to close at 3,171.00. South Korea’s KOSPI Composite Index (180721) increased by 0.4%, settling at 2,613.50. Additionally, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index (XJO) recorded a positive movement of 0.8%, closing at 7,561.20.
Among the constituents of the Hang Seng Index, Netease (9999), an online service provider company, experienced the largest increase on Wednesday, as its shares jumped by an impressive 11.9%. Motor vehicle dealing firm Zhongsheng Group Holdings (881) and alternative fuel vehicles company Li Auto (2015) also saw substantial gains of 7.7% and 6.8%, respectively.
Declining Stocks
In contrast, shares of marine transport company Orient Overseas Intl (316) suffered the largest decline in Hong Kong, weakening by 3.0% on Wednesday. Real estate services/transactions firm Longfor Group Holdings (960) and semiconductors company Semicon Mfg Intl (981) also experienced a decline of 2.6% and 2.0%, respectively.
In terms of the Nikkei 225 Index constituents, pharmaceuticals company Sumitomo Pharma (4506) witnessed the largest increase on Wednesday, with its shares rising by an impressive 5.6%. Marine freight firm Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (9107) and mobile telecommunications company SoftBank Group (9984) also saw notable gains of 5.3% and 4.2%, respectively.
On the other hand, department stores company J. Front Retailing (3086) witnessed the largest decline in Japan, as shares weakened by 2.4%. Paper mills firm Nippon Paper Industries (3863) and department stores company Takashimaya Co Ltd (8233) also saw a slight decline of 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively.