SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Asian stock markets were mixed on Monday following the London attack over the weekend and a private survey showing improvement in China’s service sector. Stocks moved within a narrow range ahead of the week packed with political events and economic data from the United Kingdom’s elections to China’s export data.
KEEPING SCORE: Japan’s Nikkei 225 was flat at 20,180.22 while South Korea’s Kospi was also nearly unchanged at 2,372.16. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.3 percent to 25,838.21 and China’s Shanghai Composite index dropped 0.5 percent to 3,091.01. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.8 percent to 5,742.30. Stocks in Taiwan, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian markets were mostly higher.
CHINA DATA: A private survey showed that China’s factory activity expanded modestly in May while its service sector improved at a solid pace. The Caixin China Composite Output Index was 51.5 last month, up slightly from April but the second-lowest reading since September 2016. On the other hand, the Caixin China General Services PMI was 52.8 in May, up 1.3 points from April, the highest reading in four months. Beijing will release its May export data on Thursday, which will be a gauge for global demand.
LONDON ATTACK: Britain suffered another terrorist attack on Saturday night, increasing uncertainty ahead of its general election Thursday. Reactions in Asian markets were largely muted but investors were keen on the outcome of the upcoming election
ANALYST’S VIEWPOINT: “The markets impact has been mute as dealers are becoming desensitized to the shocks knowing that whatever market impact occurs it diminishes quickly,” Stephen Innes, senior trader at OANDA, said in a daily commentary.