Economy
June 16, 2026 - 07:50
(Teleborsa) - Tokyo showed a modest gain, with the Nikkei 225 up 0.23%; Shenzhen surged 5.47%. Hong Kong fell sharply (-1.59%); Seoul improved significantly (+2.05%). Mumbai edged up (+0.58%); Sydney was nearly flat (-0.07%).
Regional indices had a mixed session, benefiting from optimism over a peace deal between the United States and Iran. Focus also on the Bank of Japan and Reserve Bank of Australia meetings. As expected, the Bank of Japan raised interest rates by 25 basis points and said it would continue to tighten monetary policy amid persistent inflation. The Reserve Bank of Australia left rates unchanged at 4.35%, pausing after three rate hikes this year, and reiterated its readiness to raise rates further if needed to bring inflation back to target.
On the macro front, China's industrial production rose 4.5% year-on-year in May, beating expectations of 4.4%, according to government data released Tuesday. The figure also accelerated from April's 4.1% increase. Industrial output was mainly driven by foreign demand. Domestic demand remained weak, with retail sales and fixed asset investment both falling more than expected in May.
The euro was flat against the Japanese yen, down 0.14%, and little changed versus the Chinese yuan (-0.07%). The euro was also flat against the Hong Kong dollar (-0.13%).
The yield on the 10-year Japanese government bond stood at 2.66%, while the 10-year Chinese government bond yield was 1.74%.
Key macroeconomic variables in Asian markets:
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
04:00 China: Retail sales (y/y) (expected 0%; previous 0.2%)
04:00 China: Industrial production (y/y) (expected 4.3%; previous 4.1%)
04:00 China: Unemployment rate (expected 5.2%; previous 5.2%)
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
01:50 Japan: Core machinery orders (m/m) (expected 4.1%; previous -9.4%)
01:50 Japan: Trade balance (expected -564.6 bln yen; previous 301.9 bln yen)
Friday, June 19, 2026
01:30 Japan: Consumer prices (y/y) (previous 1.4%)
