Asia-Pacific Stocks and Australia’s Central Bank

There are numerous factors that have the potential to affect stocks. For example, the Reserve Bank of Australia made the decision to keep its current policy settings on hold. Interestingly, stocks in the Asia Pacific saw gains on the day thanks to this decision.

Notably, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained 0.9% on the day to 23’980.65.

Moreover, Japanese stocks also strengthened their positions on October 6. The Nikkei 225, added 0.52% to close at 23’433.73. At the same time, the Topix index 0.52% to end its trading day at 1’645.75.

South Korea’s Kospi index added 0.34% to close at 2’365.90.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.35% on the day to 5’962.10. It is worth noting that, the country’s balance on goods and services fell 43% from July to August on a seasonally adjusted basis. This information came from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

According to the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia Philip Lowe, the board continues to consider how additional monetary easing could support jobs. His statement shows that policymakers understand the importance of their decisions. 

Interestingly, shares of gold firms Northern Star Resources and Saracen Mineral Holdings in Australia jumped on Tuesday. Shares of Northern Star Resources gained 10.64% and Saracen Mineral Holdings added 9.58%. Importantly, the sharp gains came after two firms announced a 16 billion Australian dollar ($11.5 billion) merger. 

As a reminder, markets in China were close on Tuesday for a holiday.

Stocks and U.S. President

Investors are monitoring the situation in the U.S. Moreover, investor focus was likely on U.S. President Donald Trump’s health. He left the hospital and returned to the White House. Hopefully, the president’s condition continued to improve, according to information provided by Trump’s doctors on Monday. 

Importantly, with less than a month before the presidential election, and investors will continue to monitor the situation to get the latest information.