TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares mostly declined Thursday as investors awaited a flood of global earnings reports, including updates from U.S. tech companies known as the “Magnificent Seven.”
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slid 2.1% to 37,670.50. South Korea’s Kospi dropped 1.4% to 2,637.18. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained nearly 0.1% to 17,215.51, while the Shanghai Composite was virtually unchanged at 3,044.41.
Trading was closed in Australia for a national holiday, Anzac Day.
Attention is also turning to the Bank of Japan, whose two-day monetary policy meeting started Thursday.
“For the record, heading into tomorrow’s policy decision, exceptional Japanese yen weakness is the agitated elephant in the room for the BOJ,” Tan Jing Yi of Mizuho Bank said in a commentary.
In currency trading, the U.S. dollar rose to 155.67 Japanese yen from 155.31 yen. The euro cost $1.0715, up from $1.0697.
Artist who covered sports car with an ornamental doily is shortlisted for £25,000 Turner Prize
Insights丨Foreign experts: The world draws lessons on China’s integrated urban
U.S. stocks fall as investors dump risky assets amid surging inflation
Hannah Waddingham looks incredible in pink tweed co
School shootings in U.S. rise to highest number in 20 years: report
Senior Chinese diplomat urges U.S. to adopt rational, pragmatic China policies
Fresh health warning over common additive used in thousands of ultra
Drilling of undersea tunnel of Guangzhou
Is this the latest Nessie sighting? Hunter spots '18ft
Xi Presents Order to Promote Military Officers to Rank of General