Stocks in the Asia-Pacific Region Rise, While Some Indexes See Declines

Stocks in the Asia-Pacific region experienced mostly positive movements on Wednesday, July 12. The Hong Kong market, in particular, saw a climb for the third consecutive session.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index

The Hang Seng Index (HSI) of Hong Kong companies gained 1.1%, reaching 18,860.95 points. This increase contributed to the overall positive sentiment in the region.

Japan's Nikkei 225 Index

In contrast, Japan's Nikkei 225 Index dropped by 0.8% to 31,943.93 points, experiencing a slight decline.

Shanghai Composite Index and Singapore's FTSE Straits Times Index

The Shanghai Composite Index of Chinese companies fell by 0.8% to 3,196.13 points, while Singapore's FTSE Straits Times Index increased by 0.5% to 3,178.46 points. These movements reflect the mixed performance of different markets.

South Korea's KOSPI Composite Index and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index

South Korea's KOSPI Composite Index increased by 0.5% to 2,574.72 points, indicating positive growth. Similarly, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index saw a 0.4% increase, reaching 7,135.70 points.

Notable Performances

Within the Hang Seng Index's constituents, e-commerce company Meituan saw the largest increase, with shares gaining 4.3%. Other notable performers included computers/consumer electronics firm Lenovo Group and optical instruments company Sunny Optical Technology, whose shares rose by 3.0% and 2.9%, respectively.

However, biotechnology services company Wuxi Biologics (Cayman) experienced a 2.5% decrease in its shares, the largest decline in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Motor vehicle dealing firm Zhongsheng Group Holdings and real estate services/transactions company Hang Lung Properties also saw a decline in their shares, dropping by 1.9% and 1.5%, respectively.

Among the Nikkei 225 Index constituents, online service providers company Z Holdings had the largest increase on Wednesday, with shares gaining 5.6%. Mixed retailing firm Seven & I Holdings and natural gas/oil exploration company Inpex Corp. also performed well, with their shares rising by 2.9% and 2.6%, respectively.

On the other hand, pharmaceuticals company Eisai Co Ltd experienced the largest decline on Wednesday, as its shares weakened by 4.1%. Semiconductors firms SCREEN Holdings and Renesas Electronics also observed declines of 3.7% and 3.6%, respectively.