· Stocks fall as supply woes hit earnings, rate concerns weigh
Global stocks eased from record peaks as corporate earnings reports served as a stark reminder of current supply chain challenges, while investors also looked to upcoming central bank meetings to gauge whether policy tightening could come earlier.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan ticked down 0.25%.
The Nikkei share average closed 0.96% lower at 28,820.09, while the broader Topix fell 0.7% to 1,999.66.
The Bank of Japan kept interest rate targets unchanged on Thursday and the central bank cut its real GDP growth outlook and consumer inflation forecasts for fiscal 2021.
Mainland Chinese stocks were also lower, with the Shanghai composite slipping 0.93% and the Shenzhen component dipped 0.38%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell into negative territory, declining 0.09%.
Shares in Australia slipped as the S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.37%. Elsewhere, South Korea’s Kospi bucked the overall trend regionally as it traded above the flatline.
· Europe stocks mixed as investors monitor earnings and ECB rate decision
The pan-European Euro Stoxx 600 was flat in early deals with major bourses and sectors pointing in different directions.
· UniCredit raises 2021 profit goal after strong quarter
· Stock futures rise slightly after S&P 500 slips from a record
Stock futures edged higher in overnight trading on Wednesday after the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped from their record highs.
Dow futures rose 45 points. S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures both traded in mildly positive territory.
Thai
Eng