Nikkei 225 Heads for Highest Since 2008 on Stimulus Bets

Nikkei 225 Heads for Highest Since 2008 on Stimulus Bets

Bloomberg (05/3) - Japanese shares rose a fourth day, with the Nikkei 225 (NKY) Stock Average headed for the highest close since 2008, amid optimism central banks in the U.S. and Japan will keep up stimulus measures to spur growth. The Nikkei 225 gained 0.7 percent to 11,731.24 as of 9:25 a.m. in Tokyo, poised for the highest close since Sept. 29, 2008. The Topix Index advanced 0.5 percent to 996.98, with about four shares rising for each that fell. China set its 2013 goal for gross domestic product at 7.5 percent, missing estimates for an 8.1 percent expansion. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-05/nikkei-225-heads-for-highest-since-2008-on-stimulus-bets.html

Hong Kong shares may start lower, HSBC and China policy in focus

Hong Kong shares may start lower, HSBC and China policy in focus

Bloomberg, (5/3) - Hong Kong shares could sink further on Tuesday, dragged down by Europe's largest bank HSBC Holdings after its 2012 profit miss triggered selling of its London-listed stock. HSBC is to increase dividends this year in a show of strength over rivals even though the bank's annual profits fell after a money-laundering fine and compensation paid to customers. Several Chinese policy announcements will also come into focus after outgoing Premier Wen Jiabao kicked off the National People's Congress earlier on Tuesday, putting China's 2013 GDP growth target at 7.5 percent and consumer inflation target at 3.5 percent, according to targets contained in prepared comments for delivery at the start of the NPC.

Pengekangan Sektor Properti Pukul Index China, Hong Kong

Pengekangan Sektor Properti Pukul Index China, Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Reuters (04/03) – Pasar saham Hong Kong dan saham China merosot pada perdagangan Senin, dengan CSI300 yang menderita kerugian harian terbesar dalam 28 bulan terakhir setelah Beijing memukul sektor properti dengan langkah-langkah pengetatan lebih lanjut untuk mengendalikan biaya perumahan yang lebih ketat dari perkiraan. Pengumuman dari kabinet China Jumat malam melibatkan penerapan ketat dari pajak capital gain sebesar 20 persen pada penjualan rumah yang ada dan meningkatkan suku bunga pinjaman untuk pembeli rumah kedua di kota-kota di mana harga telah meningkat terlalu cepat. Index CSI300 China ditutup turun 4,6 persen, kinerja harian terburuk sejak November 2010. Indeks Shanghai Composite menukik 3,7 persen dalam volume bursa yang terbesar dalam sebulan terakhir.

Chine sets 2013 inflation target 3.5%: Xinhua

Chine sets 2013 inflation target 3.5%: Xinhua

AFP, (5/3) - China has set its inflation target for 2013 at 3.5 percent, the official Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday, citing a speech to be given by Premier Wen Jiabao at the opening of the national legislature. The target is lower than last year's, which was set at 4.0 percent. China's actual inflation rate for 2012 came in well below that, at 2.6 percent. (wq)