Asian markets traded in red in early deals on Thursday, followed by Federal Reserve’s dot plot projections showing only two rate cuts in 2025, reasoning strong GDP growth and persistent inflation. Albeit, the US central bank delivered a 25-bps rate cut as expected. Market sentiments also dulled with the concerns that interest rates might be kept higher for longer amidst policies proposed by US President-elect Donald Trump, including plans for tax cuts and widespread import tariffs. Meanwhile, the Bank of Korea's latest meeting minutes emphasized the need for proactive monetary easing amid an economic slowdown, citing its recent consecutive rate cuts. Japan’s Nikkei dipped to lowest in three weeks ahead of the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy decision later in the day.
Nikkei 225 down by 286.01 points 0.73% to 38,795.70, Straits Times slipped by 15.84 points 0.42% to 3,763.78, Hang Seng dipped by 198.43 points 1% to 19,666.12, KOSPI Index curtailed by 36.25 points or 1.46% to 2,448.18, Taiwan Weighted decreased by 374.63 points or 1.62% to 22,794.04, Jakarta Composite curtailed by 115.56 points or 1.63% to 6,992.32, Shanghai Composite shrunk by 24.39 points or 0.73% to 3,357.82 and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI narrowed by 6.67 points or 0.42% to 1,592.91.