Asia markets mixed

Asia-Pacific markets experienced mixed trading on Thursday as investors digested key economic data and central bank decisions. The Reserve Bank of India held its interest rate steady at 6.5% for the ninth consecutive meeting, aligning with economists’ expectations. In Japan, the current account surplus for June fell short of forecasts, coming in at 1.533 trillion yen ($10.2 billion) versus the anticipated 1.789 trillion yen.

The Nikkei 225 and Topix fluctuated, closing down 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively. The Bank of Japan’s July meeting summary revealed discussions about potential rate hikes, though Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida emphasized the need for continued monetary easing. SoftBank Group shares fell over 3.5% despite announcing a 500 billion yen ($3.4 billion) share buyback. Lasertec surged 22.6% on strong financial results, while Isuzu Motors led auto stocks higher, gaining 8%.

In China, the CSI 300 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rebounded, gaining 0.4% and 0.7%, respectively. Cathay Pacific announced plans to purchase 30 Airbus A330-900 aircraft, with an option for 30 more, valued at $11 billion.