Asian equities markets are mixed today, the moves have been driven by expectations that the Fed may lower interest rates in December after US inflation data aligned with forecasts. This optimism particularly benefited exporters in Japan, pushing the Topix up as a weaker yen bolstered export-related stocks like Toyota, the Kospi is on track to end its four-day losing streak, led by tech and battery makers.

• China & Hong Kong equities are both trading lower today, with the HSI hovered near a seven-week low as investors awaited key earnings results from major tech firms like JD.com and Alibaba. Market sentiment in Hong Kong remained subdued, affected by weaker-than-expected stimulus measures from China. Additionally, this session marked the first time Hong Kong’s markets stayed open during severe weather, with a No. 8 typhoon signal issued due to tropical storm Toraji. The CSI 300 is 0.25% lower with property stocks struggling, while Telecom stocks have given back some of yesterday's gains.
• Japanese equities are mixed, with exporters benefitting from a weaker yen. The TOPIX is 0.30% higher, while the Nikkei is flat. Toyko electron is given back Wednesday's gains and was last 2.90% lower.
• South Korean equities are on track to end a four-day decline, as investors sought blue-chip bargains with Samsung trading 1.60% higher. Foreign investors have continued to sell local stocks with a focus on tech stocks. The KOSPI is 0.30% higher, while the KOSDAQ is 0.65%. Taiwan's TAIEX is 0.50% lower, with TSMC down -0.50% while Hon Hai is -1% lower.
• Australia’s share market also climbed with the ASX200 0.20% highe, with financials and tech stocks leading gains, spurred by strong earnings from companies like Xero. Energy stocks rose alongside oil prices, while miners saw mixed performance due to weak iron ore prices.
• Across Asia EM equities Indonesia, Philippines & Malaysian equities are all trading lower.