Asian markets diverge, dollar weakens ahead of US inflation data

Asian markets diverge, dollar weakens ahead of US inflation data

Oil prices extended gains as major oil producers prepare to meet and the US driving season gets under way, which is expected to see a spike in demand
Oil prices extended gains as major oil producers prepare to meet and the US driving season gets under way, which is expected to see a spike in demand. Photo: KEVORK DJANSEZIAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP
Source: AFP

Asian markets were mixed Tuesday as investors took a breather after the previous day's rally and as they gear up for the release of key US inflation data later in the week.

With Wall Street and London closed for public holidays, there were few catalysts to drive business, though comments from top European Central Bank officials reinforced optimism that borrowing costs in the eurozone will come down at its June meeting.

Figures last Friday showing US consumer confidence picking up and inflation expectations coming down provided traders enough confidence to propel hopes for at least one interest rate cut before January.

That has put a little downward pressure on the dollar against its major peers, with the yen also supported by growing speculation the Bank of Japan will hike borrowing costs again within the next few months.

Read also

Asian markets fall after US data dent rate cut hopes

The main focus on trading floors, however, is Friday's release of the US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index -- the Federal Reserve's preferred gauge of inflation, which is forecast to have seen a slight slowdown in April from the previous month.

The reading comes after a number of monetary policymakers have lined up in the past few weeks to warn that they were cautious about cutting rates too soon and wanted to see more data proving price pressures were easing.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

The next couple of days will see fresh comments from more central bank officials that investors hope will shine a light on their way of thinking.

While the Fed continues to debate when to move on rates, the ECB appears set to make a cut with chief economist Philip Lane telling the Financial Times that "barring major surprises" the next direction will be downward.

Read also

Asian shares mixed after Fed minutes, while Nvidia provides support

That comes after eurozone inflation data for May, which is due Friday.

In early trade, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei and Jakarta all rose, though Tokyo, Sydney, Wellington and Manila edged down.

On currency markets the dollar fell as dealers eyed a Fed reduction, even as the ECB and Bank of England consider moving before.

"The dollar is weaker across the board with the risk-positive backdrop seemingly overriding the greenbacks safe-haven appeal," said National Australia Bank's Rodrigo Catril.

Oil prices rose further ahead of a June 2 meeting of OPEC and other major producers that is tipped to see them maintain output cuts, while the start of the so-called US driving season is expected to see a lift in demand.

"A confluence of factors suggest some upside sensitivity in oil -- from fraught geopolitics to inventory drawdown to OPEC's assumed preference to maintain curbs," said Mizuho Bank's Vishnu Varathan.

Read also

ECB can start cuts before Fed, says Finnish bank governor

Key figures around 0230 GMT

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.3 percent at 38,783.27 (break)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 0.8 percent at 18,969.84

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 3,127.33

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 156.73 from 156.82 yen on Monday

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0873 from $1.0857

Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2780 from $1.2774

Euro/pound: UP at 85.08 from 85.01 pence

West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.4 percent at $78.79 per barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: UP 0.1 percent at $83.15 per barrel

New York - Dow: Closed for a holiday

London - FTSE 100: Closed for a holiday

Source: AFP

Authors:
AFP avatar

AFP AFP text, photo, graphic, audio or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP news material may not be stored in whole or in part in a computer or otherwise except for personal and non-commercial use. AFP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP news material or in transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages whatsoever. As a newswire service, AFP does not obtain releases from subjects, individuals, groups or entities contained in its photographs, videos, graphics or quoted in its texts. Further, no clearance is obtained from the owners of any trademarks or copyrighted materials whose marks and materials are included in AFP material. Therefore you will be solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary releases from whatever individuals and/or entities necessary for any uses of AFP material.