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Asian stock indexes increased slightly on Wednesday. The S&P/ASX 200 edged up by 0.05%, while the Shenzhen Composite rose by 0.95%. The Shanghai Composite and the Nikkei 225 gained 0.36% and 0.41% respectively. The Hang Seng Index advanced by 0.71%, while the KOSPI increased by 0.73%.
Indexes in the Asia-Pacific region entered a slight correction following an earlier slump triggered by fears of a new wave of COVID-19 in the region. China has re-imposed quarantine measures, while South Korea reports an increase in coronavirus infections. New lockdowns could weigh down on Asia-Pacific economic growth.
Traders also noted policy decisions by the main central banks, which are striving to bring soaring inflation under control. The Bank of Korea has increased the interest rate by 50 basis points to 2.25% from 1.75%, matching market expectations. Economists see the South Korean regulator hike the rate further in the near future.
South Korean stocks increased slightly, with LG Electronics, Inc. and Samsung Electronics, Co. gaining 0.7% and 0.5% respectively.
On the S&P/ASX 200, the best performing stock was Megaport, Ltd, which jumped by 6.5%. St. Barbara, Ltd. rose by 4.7%, while Pointsbet Holdings, Ltd. increased by 5%.
Investors also awaited the release of US CPI data. Inflation in the US was projected to increase to 8.8% in June, up from 8.6% in May.
Rising inflation would boost expectations of further monetary tightening by the Fed. However, it can also indicate that inflation has peaked amid falling crude oil prices. Market players are wary of higher interest rates weighing down on the global economy.
According to the latest statistic data, China's exports increased by 13.2% year-on-year over the past 6 months. Imports rose by 4.8%.
On the Hang Seng Index, Haidilao International Holding, Ltd. increased by 6%, while JD.com, Inc. and Sands China, Ltd. rose by 4.6% and 3.8% respectively. Shares of Tianqi Lithium, Corp. dived by 10% in their market debut.
On the Nikkei 225, the best-performing stock was Toho, Co., which climbed by 6.1%. The movie theater company's net revenue surged by 72% in the first quarter thanks to a rise in theater visitors.
Tokyo Electric Power Co Holdings Inc. increased by 5.6%, Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. gained 2.9%, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. rose by 2.6%, and SoftBank Group, Corp. advanced by 2.4%.
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