Asia Week Ahead: Nikkei Ends The Year With A Bang
• 28 Dec 2013
Japan's stock market is set to be Asia's top major performer in 2013. Investors will also look to India data to see whether the country is getting back on track. Tara Joseph reports
Japan's stock market is set to be Asia's top major performer in 2013
Reuters reporter, Tara Joseph, saying :
"Investors will be adding up gains and losses in what has been a mixed year across Asian markets and with the new year holiday capping trade in the middle of the week."
Tokyo shares will likely be the star of the show.
The Nikkei has recently tapped six year highs and is set to be the top performing major Asia market in 2013, with investors enthused by Prime Minister Abe's recipe for reflating the country's economy .
India has been among the most volatile of the Asian markets in 2013 with a large current account deficit pressuring its currency to record lows over the summer months.
On Tuesday the country posts the latest fiscal deficit data.
And on Thursday India's manufacturing survey will reveal whether the sector is improving after three straight months of contraction.
Also on Thursday, Hong Kong posts its latest retail sales data.
Recent numbers have been disappointing for retailers, with China mainland tourists spending less on high-end goods such as handbags and high fashion after Beijing led a crackdown on conspicuous spending by government officials.
And on Friday we'll get the latest snapshot of sentiment in China's services industry which has been growing at a steady pace over the past year.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) REUTERS REPORTER, TARA JOSEPH, SAYING:
"Overall, investors will be saying goodbye to 2013 with an eye to what 2014 will bring on interest rates, and in particular whether the Fed will unwind its monetary stimulus program. A recent Reuters poll shows investors are confident that global economic recovery will blossom in the year ahead."