Asian stocks mixed ahead of US inflation data

Asia-Pacific stock markets were mixed ahead of inflation data from the U.S. The focus on U.S. inflation was mixed, with indexes showing a mixed tone. Economists expect inflation to ease in December, which could signal that the Fed’s previous rate hikes are having their intended effect. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.2 percent after the country’s November trade balance was released. The Nikkei 225 was flat while the Topix added 0.34 percent. South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.18 percent, while the Kosdaq was down slightly. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.73 percent, reversing earlier gains. Mainland China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.24 percent and the Shenzhen Component fell 0.077 percent. China’s consumer price index rose 1.8 percent in December from a year earlier. India’s December inflation data is also due.