The stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region had a mixed performance on Thursday, Aug. 31. While the Japanese market saw its fourth consecutive day of gains, shares in Hong Kong declined for the second session.

Japanese Market Continues to Rise

The Nikkei 225 Index of Japanese companies gained 0.9% to reach 32,619.34. Among the constituents of the index, games software company NEXON saw the largest increase on Thursday, with shares up by 3.8%. Human resources consulting firm Recruit Holdings and amusement/theme parks company Oriental Land also experienced significant gains, rising by 3.7% and 3.6% respectively.

On the other hand, pharmaceuticals company Sumitomo Pharma saw the largest decrease among Nikkei 225 constituents, with shares declining by 4.2%. Online security brokering/dealing firm Matsui Securities and dairy products company Meiji Holdings also experienced a drop, with shares weakening by 3.0% and 2.6% respectively.

Hong Kong Market Declines

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index declined by 0.5% to reach 18,382.06. Hong Kong’s dairy products company China Mengniu Dairy saw the largest increase on Thursday, with shares adding 5.6%. Shares of clothing firm Shenzhou Intl Group and non-alcoholic beverages/drinks company Nongfu Spring also performed well, increasing by 4.9% and 3.0% respectively.

However, building construction company Longfor Group Holdings saw the largest decrease in Hong Kong, with shares dropping by 4.7%. Biotechnology services firm Wuxi Biologics (Cayman) and marine transport company Orient Overseas Intl also experienced a decline, with shares falling by 4.5% and 4.4% respectively.

Other Markets

China’s Shanghai Composite Index fell by 0.6% to reach 3,119.88, while Singapore’s FTSE Straits Times Index rose by 0.5% to reach 3,235.04. South Korea’s KOSPI Composite Index dropped by 0.2% to reach 2,556.27, while the S&P/ASX 200 Benchmark Index of Australian stocks increased by 0.1% to reach 7,305.30.

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