Asia-Pacific Stocks Make Gains

Asia-Pacific stocks showed mixed results on Friday, Dec. 29, as Hong Kong stocks remained flat while the Japanese market experienced a second day of decreases.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index (HSI) remained flat at 17,047.39. Among the constituents of the Hang Seng Index, pharmaceuticals company Hansoh Pharmaceutical (3692) saw the largest increase on Friday, with shares growing by 6.3%. However, shares of cell/mobile phones company Xiaomi (1810) experienced the largest drop, declining by 4.2%.

Property managers firm Cn Rscs Mixc Lifestyle (1209) and property managers company Country Garden Svcs (6098) both saw gains of 3.5%.

Japan

The Nikkei 225 Index (NIK) weakened by 0.2%, closing at 33,464.17. E-commerce company Rakuten Group (4755) experienced the largest increase on Friday, with shares rising by 7.5%. Digital marketing services firm CyberAgent (4751) and video game consoles company Nintendo (7974) also saw gains of 3.3% and 3.2% respectively. However, games software company NEXON (3659) saw the largest decrease, with shares dropping by 3.2%.

Oil exploration firm Idemitsu Kosan (5019) and steel production company Pacific Metals (5541) both saw declines of 2.3% and 2.0% respectively.

Other Markets

The Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP) of Chinese companies added 0.7% to reach 2,974.93. Singapore's FTSE Straits Times Index (STI) also gained the same percentage to close at 3,237.46.

Meanwhile, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index (XJO) weakened by 0.3% to end the day at 7,590.80. South Korea's Korea Exchange remained closed.