Stocks in the Asia-Pacific Region

The stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region experienced mixed performances on Wednesday, Jan. 24. While the Japanese market saw a second consecutive day of decreases, shares in Hong Kong climbed for the second day.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index

The Hang Seng Index (HSI) of Hong Kong companies exhibited a strong performance, adding 3.6% to reach 15,899.87.

Japanese Market Decline

On the other hand, the Nikkei 225 Index (NIK) of Japanese companies fell by 0.8% to 36,226.48.

Highlights From Other Markets

• The Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP) of Chinese companies experienced a 1.8% increase, reaching 2,820.77.
• Singapore stocks witnessed a gain as The FTSE Straits Times Index (STI) increased by 0.5% to 3,151.64.
• South Korea's KOSPI Composite Index (180721) dropped 0.4% to 2,469.69.
• Australian stocks, represented by the S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index (XJO), added 0.1% to reach 7,519.20.

Notable Stock Performances

Hong Kong:

• Gas utilities company ENN Energy Holdings (2688) saw the largest increase of 9.1%.
• Mobile telecommunications firm China Unicom (Hong Kong) (762) and etailing company Alibaba Group Holding (9988) experienced gains of 8.3% and 7.3% respectively.
• Pharmaceuticals company Sino Biopharmaceutical (1177) witnessed the largest decline with shares weakening by 1.7%.
• Medical laboratory services firm WuXi AppTec (2359) declined by 1.0%.
• Alcoholic beverages/drinks company China Rscs Beer Holdings (291) experienced a marginal weakening of 0.0%.

• Games software company NEXON (3659) saw the largest increase with shares rising by 7.1%.
• Integrated banks firm Mitsubishi UFJ Finl (8306) and banking company Resona Holdings (8308) witnessed gains of 5.2% and 4.7% respectively.
• Real estate services/transactions company Mitsui Fudosan (8801) experienced the largest drop, with shares declining by 4.2%.
• Real estate services/transactions firms Mitsubishi Estate (8802) and Tokyo Tatemono (8804) also saw declines of 3.8% and 3.7% respectively.