FXStreet (Mumbai) – The Australian benchmark, the S&P/ASX 200, erased initial losses and climbed higher as domestic traders cheer the latest above estimates jump in Australia’s retail sales data, while awaiting fresh cues from the upcoming RBA cash rate decision.
Retail sales rose 0.7% m/m in June, and 0.8% in volume terms, coming in stronger than the revised 0.4% growth in the value of sales recorded in May. The S&P/ASX 200 index trades 0.80% higher at 5725 points.
Chinese stocks are the next best performer, extending recovery from close to three week lows. The mainland China’s benchmark Shanghai Composite is gaining 0.68% now and trades near 3650. While Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng index trades -0.26% at 24350.
The Japanese benchmark Nikkei 225 pares loses to trade at 20526, still down -0.10% so far with a relatively weaker yen offering some support. While South Korea’s Kospi is seen 0.34% higher at 2015.
(Market News Provided by FXstreet)