Asia-Pacific markets are mixed on Wednesday as investors awaited the Bank of Japan’s rate decision and China’s business activity data.
Economists polled by Reuters expecting the bank to raise rates to 0.1%, though other analysts are expecting a larger hike. The BOJ’s benchmark interest rate currently is in a range of 0% to 0.1%.
Should the bank raise rates, this will mark the first time since 2010 that its benchmark interest rate stands firmly at 0.1% or higher.
Australia’s second-quarter inflation numbers are also in focus for clues on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s moves at its next monetary policy meeting on Aug. 6.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 plunged 1.4% ahead of the BOJ decision, while the broad-based Topix was down 0.94%.
South Korea’s Kospi was down marginally, with heavyweight Samsung Electronics flat despite the firm reporting a whopping 1,458.2% year on year rise in second-quarter operating profit.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.14%.
Hong Kong Hang Seng index futures were at 17,046, higher than the HSI’s last close of 17,002.91.
Source: CNBC