India’s Sensex is expected to gain on Friday as investor confidence is likely to be positive amid speculation that policymakers in Japan will soon announce more stimulus measures to revive the country’s growth momentum.
On Friday, Japan's Nikkei Stock Average was up 0.82 percent, or 84.42 points, to 10407.40. Among major gainers were Tokuyama Corp (8 percent), Hino Motors Ltd (4.75 percent) and Toshiba Corp (4.36 percent). Japan’s industrial output fell in November over the previous month indicating that the country’s economy continues to falter.
According to data released Friday by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan’s industrial production, which measures the total inflation-adjusted value of output from manufacturers, mines, and utilities, fell 1.7 percent in November compared to 1.6 percent rise in October. Analysts had expected a decrease of 0.5 percent.
South Korea’s Kospi Composite Index rose 0.43 percent, or 8.46 points, to 1995.81. Shares of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd gained 1.20 percent and shares of LG Electronics Inc were down 0.27 percent.
South Korea’s industrial output rose in November compared to that in the previous month, continuing the period of expansion for the last two months, indicating that there is hope that the country’s economy is reviving in spite of the soft global demand.
According to data released Friday by the Korea National Statistical Office, industrial production, which measures the change in the total inflation-adjusted value of output produced by manufacturers, mines and utilities, rose 2.3 percent in November up from 0.7 percent increase in October on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.18 percent, or 41.40 points, to 22661.18. Among major gainers were China Resources Power Holdings Co Ltd (2.02 percent) and Hang Lung Properties Ltd (1.48 percent).
On Thursday, the Sensex fell 0.48 percent to 19323.80 at the close. The overall market breadth was negative with 1228 advances against 1664 declines. The BSE's Midcap Index declined 0.45 percent to 7037.09 and Smallcap Index dropped 0.73 percent to 7321.67.
