Asian markets track another Wall Street record on rate hopes

Asian equities rose on Wednesday, following another record performance on Wall Street, as traders remain confident that the US Federal Reserve would cut interest rates numerous times next year.

The gains come as central bank officials try to counter expectations that have put markets up for a robust end-of-year rise.

The release of the US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed’s favoured gauge of inflation, is the next major event this week.

The latest drop in the reading, together with lower consumer prices and a sluggish labour market, is one of the primary reasons policymakers are sure they are on the right track.

Nonetheless, they are attempting to keep investors from getting ahead of themselves by lowering expectations.

The latest was Atlanta Fed boss Raphael Bostic, who said: “For me, I’m thinking inflation is going to come down relatively slowly in the next six months, which means there’s not going to be urgency for us to pull off our restrictive stance.”

That comment came after Chicago Fed chief Austan Goolsbee said he was confused by the strong market reaction and New York Fed chief John Williams said traders were being premature.

Still, Wall Street enjoyed another strong day, with the Dow finishing at a fifth straight record high, while the S&P 500 approached its own all-time peak.

Asia was happy to pick up on the positive vibes.

Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul all rose more than one per cent, while there were also healthy gains in Sydney, Singapore, Taipei, Manila, Wellington and Jakarta, though Shanghai struggled.

“Financial markets are currently basking in anticipation of a more festive holiday season, revelling in the optimism of profitable Santa Rally cheer,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes.

“Indeed, The Federal Reserve seems ready to offer relief in the coming year, signalling the likelihood of at least three rate reductions in 2024.”

The yen continued to struggle after tumbling Tuesday in response to the Bank of Japan’s decision not to shift from its ultra-loose monetary policy and to give no guidance for the new year.

The dollar remained under pressure against sterling and the euro as the Bank of England and European Central Bank have been less dovish in their rate outlooks.

And oil prices were mixed following a rally over the previous two days fuelled by companies suspending transit via the Red Sea owing to attacks on cargo ships by Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels in solidarity with Gaza.

Key figures around 0230 GMT

Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 1.8 percent at 33,799.41 (break)

Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 1.1 percent at 16,677.17

Shanghai – Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 2,929.02

Dollar/yen: UP at 144.00 yen from 143.89 yen on Tuesday

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0969 from $1.0979

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2720 from $1.2727

Euro/pound: DOWN at 86.23 pence from 86.25 pence

West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.1 percent at $74.02 per barrel

Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 0.1 percent at $79.18 per barrel

New York – Dow: UP 0.7 percent at 37,557.92 (close)

London – FTSE 100: UP 0.3 percent at 7,638.03 (close)