Markets in Asia closed lower after light trading on Tuesday, as investors await the reopening of markets in the United States today following the Christmas holiday and a drop in unemployment claims last week. Stock markets in Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand remained closed for the holidays.
Chinese shares ( YAO , quote ) fell 1.09% and Seoul's KOSPI ( EWY , quote ) dipped 0.79%. In Tokyo, the Nikkei ( EWJ , quote ) declined 0.46% and in Singapore, stocks ( EWS , quote ) fell 0.11%.
Samsung shares, however, finished strong with a bump of 0.66% after Sony announced it would sell its 50% stake in a joint LCD venture with Samsung. Sony shares fell 0.50%.
Meanwhile, Japanese automakers also took a hit, with stocks of Toyota and Honda dipping 0.24% and 0.59%, respectively.
While trading remained thin in Europe on Tuesday morning, markets were edging up. Philips Electronics was up 1.95%, while Bayer jumped 1.71%
The Chinese yuan appreciated 0.03% to 6.3211 to the dollar -- deeper into record territory -- while the Japanese yen declined 0.1% to 77.88.
In Europe, the British pound rose 0.12% to $1.5648. The euro appreciated 0.13% to $1.3076.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
