Chinese Shares Lead Losses in Asia, Bonds Rose – Asia Market Wrap

China’s equities underperformed the region on Thursday, as traders expected hints of additional stimulus from Beijing authorities ahead of a critical economic summit next month.

Benchmarks in Hong Kong and mainland China dipped, while Australian stocks rose. Shares in Japanese semiconductor companies rose following reports that the United States is exploring looser-than-expected limits on chip equipment and AI memory semiconductor sales to China. US equities futures rose.

China’s Central Economic Work Conference, which is usually convened in December, provides a blueprint for the coming year’s monetary, fiscal, and industrial policies.

The potential of sanctions highlighted the region’s already weak trade relations with the United States and China. Following the dollar’s recent rally and concerns over growing trade tensions, Asian markets were poised for their first back-to-back monthly declines this year.

Australian and New Zealand yields dipped Thursday, following moves in Treasuries on Wednesday. Investors had sought the safety of US government securities, driving 10-year rates down. There will be no cash trading of US Treasuries in Asia on Thursday owing to the Thanksgiving holiday.