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StreetAccount Summary - Asian Market Recap: Nikkei (1.75%), Hang Seng (0.89%), Shanghai Composite (0.10%) as of 04:10 ET

Apr 17 ,2026

  • Synopsis:

    • Asia equities traded lower Friday in an otherwise strong week for stocks. Japan's two main boards, Australia, South Korea and Taiwan all finished modestly lower. Hong Kong underperformed, India gaining slightly, Southeast Asia ended mixed. For the week, most major equity benchmarks gained, led by technology-orientated boards in South Korea, Taiwan and Japan; gains but underperformance in Hong Kong, and declines in several Southeast Asia benchmarks still exposed to high oil prices. US futures mixed, Europe higher in the opening hour. US dollar is flat, yen weaker but little movement of note elsewhere. Treasury yields higher across tenors, JGB yields mixed. Crude prices slightly lower but Brent still close to $100/bl, WTI just below $90/bl. Precious metals mixed. Base metals higher with copper again leading and aluminium dragging the LME metals index to a record high overnight. Cryptocurrencies off recent highs.

    • Asia equities largely lower Friday as investors took some profits off the table following a strong week and cut positions before the weekend during which Iran and US are due to meet for peace talks. Brent crude prices remain elevated as the Strait of Hormuz remains firmly closed however geopolitical strategists increasingly optimistic over progress at the weekend's peace talks with the ceasefire in Lebanon holding to give an extra boost. Although a permanent Iran-US deal that includes a nuclear agreement is unlikely soon, an interim agreement that includes the reopening of Hormuz and an extension to the ceasefire appears more likely.

    • Among regional developments Friday, BOJ Governor Ueda was non-committal over a rate hike later this month, in contrast to messaging prior to previous rate increases, with markets now almost pricing out the possibility of a rate hike this month. Traders also watching for the yen to breach 160 per dollar again, which may be possible if the dollar sells off again on any peace deal news, but which is also seen as a red line for Tokyo. China's policymakers reiterated pledges to keep 'moderately loose monetary policy' this year to boost domestic consumption. Elsewhere, Singapore March non-oil exports jumped on a surge in AI-related electronics shipments and Malaysia's Q1 GDP grew 5.3% y/y, moderating from Q4's 6.3% growth.

    • Manycore (69.HK) surged on its market debut in Hong Kong almost 150% as investor appetite for AI-related stocks continued. Largan Precision (3008.TT) said cost pressures had weighed on margins this quarter while revenue would likely decline in the coming quarter; shares down sharply. Wipro (507685.IN) forecast a weak Q1 on poor demand and as its US financial services clients curbed spending amid a uncertain economic environment. OCBC (O39.HK) has emerged as the lead bidder for HSBC's retail assets in Indonesia, according to sources quoted by Bloomberg.

  • Digest:

    • BOJ Governor Ueda's latest comments further diminish April rate hike expectations:

      • Dovish takeaways in yen and JGB markets from BOJ Governor Ueda's comments following the Washington G20, that the MPC "will take appropriate measures" in light of "persistent shocks from deterioration in the Middle East situation" (Nikkei). In a joint press conference with Finance Minister Katayama following the central bank and finance ministers meeting, Ueda noted there was a strong consensus the situation was highly uncertain. Still weighing how surging crude oil prices will affect inflation and growth, saying it was difficult to prescribe a policy response. Stressed that Japan's circumstances are different to other countries in that real rates are extremely low and financial conditions extremely accommodative. On the earlier G7 meeting, Katayama noted members from the US and Europe estimated it would take two to three weeks to assess Middle East implications. Reuters cited views the lack of clear hints of an imminent move is encouraging speculation that an April hike is off the table. Recalled recent hawkish communication from BOJ led markets to price in about a 70% chance of an April hike earlier this month, before tumbling to 30% after Ueda's 13-Apr speech that appeared to be more on the fence as he highlighted risks to the economy from the Middle East conflict. Market pricing for April slid further to around 10% after Ueda's latest remarks.

    • Yen traders anxious about what will happen if BOJ doesn't hike:

      • Nikkei discussed views among FX traders bracing for incoming volatility, recalling the major reverberations from intervention operations conducted two years ago. Lay of the land ahead of the Apr 27-28 BOJ meeting shaping up to be similar to that in the lead-up to the last intervention phase. While verbal intervention has so far been enough to prevent yen falling beyond 160 per dollar, this strategy is subject to diminishing returns. The next step is expected to be a rate check as a prelude to an intervention operation.

      • Compounding volatility risks is that Japan is heading into Golden Week over which, the MPM and Governor Ueda's press conference will be followed by key US economic data in early May that will guide Fed policy direction.

      • Article recalled that on 26-Apr 2024, Ueda's presser remarks gave the impression he was tolerant of yen weakness which set markets off. Meanwhile, firmer than expected US PCE prompted hawkish takeaways to provide further support for dollar. USD/JPY touched 160 on the following Monday, which was a Golden Week holiday in Japan, when MOF launched the first round of intervention. Furthermore, Fed chair Powell signaled on 1-May the chances of a rate cut were low. Dovish market positions capitulated, prompting another operation. In all, yen surged 8 big figures in the space of a week.

      • While current dynamics are different, it could still lead to a similar result in terms of contrasting central bank implications. BOJ rate hike expectations for April have diminished rapidly from around 70% at the start of the month down to about 20% as of Thursday. After BOJ released a series of data seen to be laying the groundwork for a hike, one analyst suggested a delay this month prompted by Middle East uncertainties and signals from Ueda giving the impression of an extended pause could trigger a yen selloff in the order of several big figures.

      • Meanwhile, notable upcoming US data include the ISM manufacturing survey on 1-May and payrolls on 8-May, where upside surprise could lift the dollar and drive yen past 160. Historically low yen crosses vs euro and Aussie reflecting rate hike expectations in those economies already portend such a scenario.

      • In terms of key differences from 2024, Middle East risks also loom as a breakdown in peace negotiations will reignite strength in oil prices and USD. Close communication between Japanese and US authorities is another consideration; coordinated intervention would be more impactful. However, CFTC data shows hedge fund short yen positions are about half the size of 2024, which means a wipeout stands to provide less support.

    • Trump voices more optimism Iran conflict nearing end:

      • President Trump voiced more optimism surrounding prospects of agreement with Iran, predicting deal will be made "fairly soon" (Bloomberg, Reuters). Added high-level talks may take place on weekend. Claimed Tehran has agreed to almost all demands, including turning over stockpiles of enriched uranium and opening Strait of Hormuz. Israel also agreed to halt fighting in Lebanon after Trump declared 10-day ceasefire, something Iran had demanded (FT). Trump's optimism not widely shared with European and Gulf leaders reportedly of view peace deal will take six months according to Bloomberg sources.

      • Trump said he did not expect to have to extend ceasefire beyond Tuesday but would if needed. Comes after reports noted two sides had been discussing extension to allow room for diplomacy. Backchannel talks continuing to try and narrow gaps in US and Iranian demands. Mixed reports on status of nuclear negotiations withReuters sources saying issue remains unresolved and Iran considering only partially turning over uranium stockpiles.

    • Chinese policymakers reaffirm pledges to boost domestic consumption:

      • Speaking at G20 event in Washington, PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng reaffirmed China will implement "moderately loose monetary policy" and contribute to global economic growth. Pan said China will maintain domestic demand-driven approach by boosting consumption and developing services sector during 15th FYP from 2026 to 2030.

      • In separate briefing hosted by State Council on strategic deployments for 15th FYP, NDRC vice chairman Wang Changlin said government will focus on "expanding effective domestic demand" while formulating an implementation plan up to 2030.

      • Added macroeconomic policies will be coordinated and rolled out in timely manner. China will accelerate execution of 109 major projects listed in 15th FYP, which Wang attributed 1.7% y/y growth in fixed-asset investment in Q1, a reversal of full-year losses in 2025, to early rollout of key projects. Will push for allocation of budgeted investment of CNY755B and CNY1T ultra-long special treasury bonds by end-Jun.

      • Answering a Bloomberg question, Wang said China will "significantly increase" supply of non-fossil energy by 2030 and double it by 2035 compared with 2025 levels, which a giant hydropower project in Tibet and desert-based renewable hubs will help propel clean-energy generation.

    • Malaysia Q1 GDP growth slows as Iran warn start to impact:

      • Malaysia's Q1 GDP growth decelerated in Q1 at 5.3% y/y, missing economists' expectations of 5.4% as Iran conflict began to weigh on manufacturing and services. Department of Statistics noted all major sectors saw growth declines although AI-related electronics sector continued to show robust expansion amid strong demand for data centers, generative AI activities. Mining sector, which includes oil & gas production, contracted 1.1%. Construction growth also remained elevated at 7.8% y/y growth although lower than Q4s 11.0%. Bloomberg cited economists saying Q1 growth figure reflected Malaysia's economic resilience but also that it wasn't immune from middle east crisis.

      • Separate data Friday showed inflation accelerated to 1.7% y/y from February's 1.4%, fastest pace in 12 months as transport costs accelerated despite heavy government fuel subsidies. Bank Negara Malaysia to meet for rate decision on 7-May, widely expected to remain on hold.

    • Notable Gainers:

      • +6.5% 2343.HK (Pacific Basin Shipping): discloses shipping update; Q1 average daily Handysize/Supramax TCE earnings $12,130/$13,970 +11%/14% y/y

      • +5.1% 300308.CH (Zhongji Innolight): reports Q1 results; headline figures beat FactSet estimates

      • +0.5% 603799.CH (Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt): reports Q1 results; EBIT CNY3.69B, +101% y/y

    • Notable Decliners:

      • -7.6% 3008.TT (LARGAN Precision): reports Q1 results; reportedly sees revenue to decrease q/q between Mar-May but grows y/y

      • -3.8% 20.HK (SenseTime Group): enters into best-efforts placing agreement for 1.70B-shares at HK$1.91/share

      • -3.8% 600519.CH (Kweichow Moutai): reports FY results; headline figures below FactSet estimates

      • -3.3% 6752.JP (Panasonic): reportedly completes divestment of 69% stake in Ficosa, exists auto equipment business

      • -2.6% 2330.TT (TSMC): reports Q1 results; shares fall despite beat and raise with sell-side firms upgrading EPS forecasts and price targets

      • -2.4% 8366.JP (The Shiga Bank): Shiga Bank, Senshu Ikeda confirm they are considering capital and business alliance

      • -1.9% 8136.JP (Sanrio): investigating executive suspected of receiving several hundred million yen in additional compensation over several years from group subsidiary

  • Data:

    • Economic:

      • Singapore March

        • Non-oil domestic export y/y +15.3% versus +4.05% in prior month

    • Markets:

      • Nikkei: (1,042.44) or (1.75%) to 58475.90

      • Hang Seng: (233.93) or (0.89%) to 26160.33

      • Shanghai Composite: (4.12) or (0.10%) to 4051.43

      • Shenzhen Composite: 10.14 or +0.37% to 2743.71

      • ASX200: (8.10) or (0.09%) to 8946.90

      • KOSPI: (34.13) or (0.55%) to 6191.92

      • SENSEX: 245.85 or +0.32% to 78234.53

    • Currencies:

      • $-¥: +0.07 or +0.04% to 159.2250

      • $-KRW: +2.48 or +0.17% to 1482.0250

      • A$-$: +0.00 or +0.13% to 0.7170

      • $-INR: (0.28) or (0.30%) to 92.7780

      • $-CNY: +0.00 or +0.07% to 6.8262

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