From Investing.com: 2024-09-15 23:04:41

Asian stocks remained steady in thin trading as investors awaited the Federal Reserve meeting this week, where a rate cut is expected. The Hong Kong market fell after weak Chinese data. Positive Wall Street performance boosted sentiment. U.S. futures were unreactive to news of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dropped 0.6% due to weak Chinese economic data, with industrial output and retail sales falling below expectations. Concerns over a prolonged economic slowdown in China weighed on regional sentiment. Mainland Chinese markets are expected to decline sharply when they reopen.

Asian markets were quiet amid speculation about a U.S. interest rate cut. Australia’s ASX 200 rose, while Indian futures indicated a flat open. The Fed is likely to cut rates, with traders divided on the extent of the cut. A 50% chance is priced in for either a 25 or 50 basis point cut.



Read more at Investing.com: Asian stocks muted with rate cuts in focus; Hong Kong dips on weak China data By Investing.com