Asian stocks dipped on Tuesday as most global markets remained closed for Christmas, leaving traders to gauge broader trends in a subdued trading environment. Key indices in Asia reflected mixed sentiment, with limited market drivers due to thin volumes.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged lower by 0.2%, while South Korea’s Kospi slid 0.3%. In contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index saw a modest uptick, buoyed by gains in technology shares. With markets in the U.S. and Europe on holiday, liquidity constraints amplified volatility in some regional benchmarks. The broader sentiment leaned cautious as investors continued to monitor economic data and interest rate outlooks for 2024.
This subdued start to the week underscores the uncertainty in global markets heading into the new year, with Asian investors bracing for potential shifts in policy and global economic conditions.
