Asian Markets Rise on Tech Optimism and Global Economic Health
Asian shares mostly rose on Friday, August 30, 2024, as markets remained optimistic about tech companies and global economies.
Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 0.7% after positive economic data, while Tokyo consumer prices rose more than expected, likely prompting the Bank of Japan to consider raising interest rates.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200, South Korea's Kospi, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng also saw gains.
On Wall Street, a late-afternoon slide by some Big Tech companies led to a mixed finish. The S&P 500 ended flat, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed a 0.6% gain. The Nasdaq composite slipped 0.2%.
Despite the mixed finish, gainers outnumbered decliners on the New York Stock Exchange. Nvidia, despite stellar second-quarter results, was the biggest weight on the market due to a 6.4% drop.
Positive economic news capped off a month of encouraging reports, with data showing strong retail sales, employment, and consumer confidence.
The key report this week comes on Friday, with the U.S. government releasing its July inflation data. Economists expect the PCE to show a slight increase to 2.6%.
Hopes are growing for the Federal Reserve to start cutting interest rates, with the first cut expected in September.
Bond yields rose in the Treasury market, while energy prices and the U.S. dollar also saw gains.