Japan’s benchmark index rose modestly on Thursday after the Bank of Japan kept rates on hold, while Asia markets were mixed.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 gained 122.74 points, or 0.4%, to 27,680.26.
The Bank of Japan stuck to its ultra-easy monetary policy as expected, while lowering its growth forecast for 2022 and raising its inflation predictions.
Japan’s yen changed hands at 138.55 per U.S. dollar following the decision.
The currency has weakened considerably in recent months as Japan’s easy monetary policy diverges from that of other countries.
Japan’s latest consumer price index report showed that prices rose 2.1% from a year before, just above the central bank’s target.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index dropped 315.59 points, or 1.5%, to 20,574.63.
In Korea, shares of automaker Hyundai Motors initially popped but closed flat after the company’s earnings beat estimates. Revenue in the second quarter rose to 36 trillion Korean won ($27.4 billion U.S.), and net income jumped 55.6% from a year ago to 3 trillion Korean won.
The Australian dollar was at $0.6884, slightly lower than earlier in the week.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 fell 47.74 points, or 1.1%, to 4,238.04.
In Taiwan, the Taiex zoomed 204.48 points, or 1.4%, to 14,937.70.
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index slumped 17.99 points, or 0.6%, to 3,152.30
In Korea, the Kospi moved forward 22.31 points, or 0.9%, to 2,409.16.
In Australia, the ASX 200 tacked on 35.07 points, or 0.5%, to 6,794.28
In New Zealand, the NZX added 35.07 points, or 0.6%, to 11,269.76.