Investing.com - Asian stocks were mixed in morning trade on Tuesday after the Easter break.
China’s Shanghai Composite and the Shenzhen Component fell 0.4% and 1.1% respectively by 10:30 PM ET (02:30 GMT). Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was unchanged at 29,973.
The fall in Chinese stocks came after Beijing officials signalled they are not likely to add stimulus, as Beijing is getting increasingly concerned about the risk of asset bubbles. Instead, regulators will focus on “reform and opening up” as well as “restructure,” according to the Politburo meeting that was held last week.
The Politburo, the 25-member ruling body of the country headed by President Xi Jinping, concluded that China’s economic performance was “better than expected” and that market confidence has returned, the state-owned Xinhua news agency reported.
The news came after China reported last week better-than-expected economic growth in the first quarter.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.2% ahead of the Golden Week extended holiday. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to meet leaders of the European Union on Thursday and then U.S. President Donald Trump later this week in Washington.
South Korea’s KOSPI edged up 0.1%. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (KS:005930) made headlines again after the company said it decided to delay the launch of its latest flagship phone “Galaxy Fold” after reports of screen failures among some review units after only days of use. The company did not give a new debut date.
Down under, Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.8%.
Energy stocks outperformed as oil prices jumped to a six-month high following White House’s decision to end waivers for all oil buyers that previously allowed them to purchase Iranian crude.
Australia-listed Santos Ltd (AX:STO), Woodside Petroleum Ltd (AX:WPL) and Beach Energy Ltd (AX:BPT) all surged almost 3%.