Asian markets are generally lower as another wee started but loss is limited. The MSCI Asia ex-Japan index dropped to the lowest level since October 2011. Meanwhile, Nikkei is down more than -1.1%. But no follow through selling is seen, partly because stabilization in Chinese stocks, which are sitting near to last year's low. The major move is found in crude oil, which drops to as low as 28.36 today, the lowest level since 2003. But reactions in other markets are muted so far. The currency markets are staying in Friday's range without much movement.
Released from Japan, tertiary industry index dropped -0.8% mom in November versus expectations of -0.6% mom. Industrial production was revised to -0.9% mom in November. BoJ governor Haruhiko Kuroda said today that the economy was still likely to continue recovering moderately. But "the BOJ will make necessary policy adjustments with an eye on upside and downside risks to the economy and prices." Elsewhere, UK rightmove house prices rose 0.5% mom in January. Australia TD securities inflation rose 0.2% mom in December. The European calendar is empty today while US will be on bank holiday. Trading could remain subdued for the rest for the day.
The focus of the week should be the latest set of Chinese macroeconomic data due Tuesday. GDP probably steadied at 6.9% c in 4Q15. IP growth probably eased to 6.1% in December from 6.2% a month ago. Retail sales might have expanded 11.3%, up from 11.2% in November, Urban FAI might have expanded 10.2% for full 2015. In Europe, UK would release inflation and employment data on Tuesday, followed by retail sales on Friday. In the Eurozone, Germany's ZEW survey due Tuesday would be in focus. In Canada, BOC meeting would be held Wednesday but we expect no change in the monetary policy.