Tokyo, Japan – Asia-Pacific markets experienced a mixed day on Friday, with South Korean stocks leading the decline after a drop in industrial production for the second consecutive month in October. South Korea reported a 0.3% decrease in industrial production compared to September, following a similar decline the previous month. Despite this, there was a 2.3% year-on-year increase in October, a significant turnaround from the 1.3% decrease in September.
The benchmark index for South Korea, Kospi, fell by 1.29%, while the smaller Kosdaq experienced a more substantial drop of 1.87%. However, in contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index managed to gain 1.29%, and mainland China’s CSI 300 showed an impressive 2% increase, leading the gains in the region. A recent Reuters poll suggested that China’s home prices are expected to decline at a slower rate this year and stabilize in 2026 as support measures begin to take effect.
Investors also took note of Japan’s inflation numbers for November, with Tokyo reporting a headline inflation rate of 2.6%, up from 1.8% in October. Core inflation, excluding the costs of fresh food, also rose to 2.2%, surpassing expectations from a Reuters poll. Tokyo’s inflation figures often serve as a barometer for nationwide trends.
Following the release of the inflation data, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell by 0.42%, while the broader-based Topix index saw a 0.2% decrease. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 also experienced a decline of 0.14%. Meanwhile, U.S. markets were closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday and will only operate for a half day on Friday.