This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34674231

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Asian markets largely down after US growth figures Shares in Japan recover after central bank's decision
(about 2 hours later)
Shares across Asia were largely down on Friday after US official numbers showed a sharp slowing in economic growth. Shares in Japan recovered after the country's central bank decided to keep its monetary easing policy steady.
Japan's Nikkei 225 opened flat and was down 0.12% in morning trade to 18,913.07. The benchmark Nikkei 225 initially fell on the decision and was down 0.47% at 18,862.17 in early afternoon trade.
A string of official economic data ahead of Japan's central bank meeting has left analysts wondering if the bank will increase stimulus measures. But shortly afterwards it moved into positive territory, and was up 0.4% at 19,001.37.
There has been much speculation this week as to what - if anything - the bank will do to boost Japan's economy. The Bank of Japan's (BOJ) massive stimulus package is designed to give a boost to the world's third-largest, but struggling, economy.
On Friday, the government said Japan's core consumer inflation number fell 0.1% in September from a year ago; household spending fell 0.4% year-on-year; while unemployment remained steady at 3.4% compared to August. Its aim is to encourage lending, which in turn should see consumers spending more. Private consumption makes up some 60% of Japan's economic activity.
"The renewed rise in inflation excluding fresh food and energy in September would provide a reason for the Bank of Japan to leave policy settings unchanged later today," said Japan economist Marcel Thieliant. But the country has struggled with deflation, or falling prices, for more than 15 years. Lower prices for goods in the country have seen consumers hold on to their money in the hope of even lower prices later on.
"But the rebound in underlying inflation rests on shaky ground, and we still see good chances that Governor Kuroda will spring a surprise," he added. There had been much speculation this week as to what - if anything - the BOJ would do.
China Earlier on Friday, a string of domestic data showed Japan's core consumer inflation number had fallen 0.1% in September from a year ago; household spending had fallen 0.4% year-on-year; while unemployment had remained steady at 3.4% compared to August.
The data fuelled some speculation the bank would make a move. But eight out of nine board members voted in favour of the decision.
Rest of Asia
Shares across the rest of Asia were also largely down on Friday after US official numbers showed a sharp slowing in economic growth.
Investors are keenly watching shares in China after the government announced the end of its one-child policy.Investors are keenly watching shares in China after the government announced the end of its one-child policy.
Shares in some companies that make baby products rose sharply after the decision. Danone and Nestle could benefit, because baby formula sales in China are expected to double in the next five years. Shares in some companies that make baby products rose sharply after the decision. Danone and Nestle are seen as likely to benefit, with baby formula sales in China expected to double in the next five years.
In early trade, however, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was down 0.21% at 3,365.62, while the Shanghai Composite was down 0.67% at 3,365.62. In afternoon trade, however, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was down 0.20% at 22,775.25, while the Shanghai Composite was in positive territory - but only just - up 0.12% at 3,391.41.
Elsewhere, in Australia, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.65% at 5,232.60 following Wall Street's lead. Mining-related shares weighed on the index after iron ore prices fell 0.6% to $49.65 a tonne. Elsewhere, in Australia, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.19% at 5,257.00 following Wall Street's lead. Mining-related shares weighed on the index after iron ore prices fell 0.6% to $49.65 a tonne.
Investors will be also be watching shares in the country's biggest supermarket chain, Woolworths, after they closed down almost 10% on Thursday. The firm disappointed the market when it forecast a fall of up to 35% in net profits for the six months to December.Investors will be also be watching shares in the country's biggest supermarket chain, Woolworths, after they closed down almost 10% on Thursday. The firm disappointed the market when it forecast a fall of up to 35% in net profits for the six months to December.
South Korea's benchmark Kospi index was down 0.28% at 2,027.99. South Korea's benchmark Kospi index was flat, down 0.01% at 2,034.42.