Asia-Pacific Stocks Mostly Climb

Asia-Pacific stocks experienced mixed results on Thursday, Dec. 14. While some markets saw gains, others faced declines in their respective indices.

Hang Seng Index (HSI)

The Hang Seng Index of Hong Kong companies rose by 1.1%, reaching 16,402.19.

Notable companies on the Hang Seng Index include:

• Techtronic Industries (669): This portable power tools company led the gains, with shares increasing by 10.0%.

• CK Infrastructure Hldgs (1038) and ENN Energy Holdings (2688): These diversified holding and gas utilities companies saw increases of 8.7% and 7.6% respectively.

• Netease (9999): The online service providers company experienced the largest drop in Hong Kong, with shares weakening by 3.1%.

• Hansoh Pharmaceutical (3692) and Baidu (9888): Shares of these pharmaceuticals and internet search engines companies declined by 2.7% and 2.0% respectively.

Nikkei 225 Index (NIK)

The Nikkei 225 Index of Japanese companies declined by 0.7%, ending at 32,686.25.

Companies on the Nikkei 225 Index that saw significant changes include:

• Recruit Holdings (6098): This human resources consulting company had the largest increase, with shares gaining 7.2%.

• Shin-Etsu Chemical (4063) and Nitori Holdings (9843): These synthetic resins/polymers and furniture/home furnishings retailing companies rose by 3.5% and 3.3% respectively.

• Toho Co Ltd (9602) and Mazda Motor (7261): Shares of this cinema film production and passenger cars company dropped by 6.2% and 5.9% respectively.

Other Markets

Other markets in the Asia-Pacific region also witnessed changes:

• The Shanghai Composite Index of Chinese companies declined by 0.3% to 2,958.99.

• The FTSE Straits Times Index of Singapore stocks added 0.7%, reaching 3,125.20.

• South Korea's KOSPI Composite Index gained 1.3% to 2,544.18.

• Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index gained 1.7% to 7,377.90.