ASIAN markets rose today after Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell said officials would take a careful approach regarding interest rate hikes, while Chinese shares soared after the government cut the duty on trades.

In a much-anticipated speech Friday, the US central bank boss left the door open to more tightening but repeated his pledge that decision-making would be data-dependent as policymakers try to bring inflation to heel.

Powell’s comments suggested borrowing costs would be held at a 22-year high of 5.25-5.5% next month, though investors remain concerned more could come before year’s end.

While inflation is coming down, markets have been hit in recent weeks by a strong run of economic data – particularly on jobs – that has been seen as putting pressure on the Fed to keep hiking.

“If the data continues to show an ease in labour market tightness and price pressures, then the Fed is likely done with its tightening cycle,” said National Australia Bank’s Rodrigo Catril.

“If the data doesn’t play ball, then further tightening should be expected. Thus, upcoming key market data releases (inflation and labour market) are likely to set the tone for markets over coming months.”

The remarks sent US stocks lower initially before they bounced to end Friday on a positive note.

And Asia followed suit today, with Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei, Jakarta and Wellington all enjoying a strong start to the week.

Shanghai and Hong Kong soared at the open following China’s decision to slash the tax paid on stock trades for the first time since 2008 as authorities battle to support the world’s second-largest economy.

The Finance Ministry and its State Taxation Administration said in a joint statement the move was designed to “invigorate the capital market and boost investor confidence”. 

Officials also said they would slow the pace of new listings, which usually suck up market liquidity.

‘Positive signal’ from China

The measures provided some joy among traders and come as the country’s leaders struggle to kick-start the stuttering economy, with a series of pledges failing to lift optimism.

“The scale, force and speed of the measures all beat expectations,” said analysts at China International Capital Corp.

“The increasing force of the policy tools will lift market confidence, amplifying the positive signal for the market.”

However, Neo Wang, at Evercore ISI warned that stocks were unlikely to rally unless authorities announce a huge stimulus package similar to the so-called “bazooka” in 2008.

Investors are also keeping tabs on US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s talks with Chinese counterparts in the latest bid to ease trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Hong Kong also saw the restart of trading in troubled Chinese property giant Evergrande after a 17-month suspension for not publishing its financial results.

The firm collapsed more than 80% in the morning, having finally released its earnings yesterday, showing losses of US$4.53 billion (RM21 billion) in the first half of the year and just US$556 million in cash assets.

Once China’s largest real estate firm, Evergrande defaulted in 2021 and is saddled with more than US$300 billion in liabilities, becoming a symbol of a nationwide property crisis that many fear could spill over globally.

Its creditors will vote today on a proposal from the developer regarding its offshore debt that is shaping up to be one of China’s biggest restructurings ever.

Key figures around 0230 GMT

Tokyo – Nikkei 225: up 1.7% at 32,154.03 (break)

Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: up 2.1% at 18,338.21

Shanghai – Composite: up 2.5% at 3,139.05

Dollar/yen: up at ¥146.50 from ¥146.44 on Friday

Euro/dollar: up at US$1.0807 from US$1.0797

Pound/dollar: up at US$1.2601 from US$1.2578

Euro/pound: down at 85.76 pence from 85.82 pence

West Texas Intermediate: down 0.1% at US$79.79 per barrel

Brent North Sea crude: down 0.2% at US$83.82 per barrel

New York – Dow: up 0.7% at 34,346.90 (close)

London – FTSE 100: up 0.1% at 7,338.58 (close) – AFP, August 28, 2023.