Asian markets reverse gains, Nikkei slightly lower after touching record levels

Japan (NKY:IND) -0.08% The Nikkei 225 hit a record high, surpassing the 41,000 mark for the first time, before losing momentum. Japan’s index of coincident economic indicators, which covers a range of data including factory output, employment and retail sales, rose to 116.5 in May. 2024.

China (SHCOMP) -0.22% With mainland stocks remaining under heavy selling pressure as investors await signals on further policy support.

Hong Kong (HSI) -0.81% China’s benchmark stock index ended last week slightly higher after ending the previous four sessions with all sectors in the red. Investors are awaiting a slew of Chinese data due next week, including June CPI and PPI figures and new yuan loans.

Singapore retail sales rose 2.2% year-on-year in May 2024.

Indonesia’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $140.2 billion in June 2024.

India (Sensex Index) -0.27% Gains from the previous two sessions were halted amid losses in banking and financial services.

Australia (AS51) -0.20% pares gains from the previous day as investors turn cautious ahead of a crucial US jobs report that could influence Fed interest rate decisions.

New Zealand markets rose ahead of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s monetary policy meeting next week. The central bank is certain to keep interest rates at 5.5% and is likely to maintain a dovish stance.

U.S. markets were closed on Thursday for Independence Day, with futures little changed ahead of Friday’s trading session.

Bitcoin fell below $55,000 on Friday, touching its lows since late February, and has lost about 13% so far this week, with analysts attributing it to further liquidation by leveraged investors.

Currencies: (JPY:USD), (CNY:USD), (AUD:USD), (INR:USD), (HKD:USD), (NZD:USD).