Oddbean

Asia shares hit 15-month high as traders wait for CPI ========== Asian shares hit a 15-month high as traders await U.S. inflation data. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan reached its highest level since early 2023. The focus this week is on Wednesday's U.S. CPI figures, with expectations for core CPI to slow from 3.8% in March to 3.6% in April. The dollar remained firm ahead of the data. Japanese bonds were squeezed as the central bank reduced its bond buying program. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index surged 30% from January's lows and rose nearly 20% in a month. New Zealand's inflation expectations dropped, and Australia's government is expected to announce another surplus in its annual budget. The central bank of Japan made its first cut to bond buying operations since December, signaling a hawkish stance. Oil and gold prices remained steady. #AsiapacificShares #UsInflationData #Cpi #Dollar #JapaneseBonds #HangSengIndex #NewZealandInflationExpectations #AustraliaBudget #OilPrices #GoldPrices https://www.investing.com/news/economy/asia-shares-hit-15month-high-as-traders-wait-for-cpi-3438511