Asia markets set for a breather after last week’s rally; inflation data and central bank decisions on deck

Asia markets set for a breather after last week's rally; inflation data and central bank decisions on deck

Finished utility hole covers and frames stored for shipment at the Ito Tekko Co. foundry in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, 

Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Asia-Pacific markets were largely set for a lower open on Monday after a week that saw markets rally.

Traders in Asia will watch out for central bank releases this week, including the Bank of Korea’s rate decision and minutes of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s August meeting.

Inflation data from Japan and Singapore will also be released on Friday, while China will announce its one-year and five-year loan prime rates on Tuesday.

On Monday, Japan will release its machinery orders for June — an indicator of capital expenditure in the country.

Futures for Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 stood at 7,898, slightly lower than their last close of 7,971.1.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 futures also pointed to a weaker open for the market, with the contract in Chicago at 37,825 and its counterpart in Osaka at 37,640 compared to the previous close of 38.062.67.

However, Hong Kong Hang Seng index futures were at 17,575, lower than the HSI’s last close of 17,430.16

admin