Asian Markets Fall; European Stocks Rise as UK Economy Expands

Global Market Update: Major indices in South Korea and Japan were sharply down as Asian stock markets fell on Friday, September 12. European markets, meanwhile, were higher, helped by positive trading sentiment and fresh economic data from the United Kingdom.

Asian markets fell in the trading session, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 down over 1.9%, and South Korea’s Kospi index down nearly 1.8%. Investor sentiment was dampened across the region by weakness in major Asian markets.

European markets up

European stock markets were firming up more than the Asian peers. The FTSE 100 in London was around 0.6% higher and the DAX in Germany was trading about 0.7% higher, according to the latest market updates.

European stocks were higher as investors sifted through fresh economic data and looked at developments in global markets.

UK economy expands 0.4% in July

In the economic arena, the United Kingdom reported a better-than-expected expansion on a monthly basis in July.

The UK’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.4% in July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Tuesday, after a 0.3% increase in June.

Latest GDP data showed the UK economy continued to grow, providing some support to market sentiment in European trading.

Markets in Focus – Global

Investors are closely monitoring economic growth data, expectations for central bank policy and trends in major economies, as global markets are sensitive to changes in interest rates and economic conditions.

Asian markets fell sharply but European shares were still in positive territory, reflecting mixed trends in global markets.

Key Market Highlights

• Kospi: down almost 1.8%
• Nikkei 225: Drops more than 1.9%
• FTSE 100: up about 0.6%
• DAX: Up about 0.7%
• UK real GDP up 0.4% in July
• UK GDP up 0.3% in June

Summary

Asian equities fell sharply and European markets traded higher as global markets continued to show mixed trends. Investors will be looking to economic data, central-bank cues and global developments for more direction in the coming sessions.