Asian Stock Market: China soars on easing Covid curbs, oil loses strength

• Chinese equities have soared as the economy has started focusing on easing Covid-19 restrictions.
• Higher interest rate peak projections by Fed’s Evans have supported US Treasury yields.
• Oil prices lost strength as OPEC didn’t extend production cuts.

Markets in the Asian domain are displaying mixed responses as the risk impulse is turning precautionary ahead of US ISM Services PMI data. S&P500 futures have turned subdued as hawkish commentary from Federal Reserve (Fed) policymaker on targeted interest rate has restricted the upside while Friday’s upbeat Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) strengthened the cushion.

Chicago Fed President Charles Evans said on Friday, "We are probably going to have a slightly higher peak to Fed policy rate even as we slow pace of rate hikes," reported Reuters. This has resulted in a significant recovery in the 10-year US Treasury yields above 3.54%.

At the press time, Japan’s Nikkei225 eased marginally, ChinaA50 jumped 1.70%, Hang Seng soared 3.38% and Nifty50 dropped 0.46%.

Nikkei225 is following the footprints of the S&P500 futures, displaying lackluster performance on Monday. Also, investors are awaiting Overall Household Spending for further guidance. The economic data is seen higher at 3.4% vs. the former release of 2.3%. A better-than-projected household spending would indicate higher expectations for short-term inflation.

Meanwhile, Chinese equities are performing stronger as the economy is reopening after a prolonged Covid-19 lockdown to contain the mess. The administration has decided to ease curbs after a severe protest from the general public as restrictions on the movement of men, materials, and machines didn’t leave sufficient funds to offset payment for perishable goods. This has also resulted in a recovery for economic projections ahead.

On the oil front, oil prices have surrendered the majority of Monday morning gains and have dropped to near $80.60 after a firmer recovery from $79.66. The absence of further production cuts by OPEC+ in its December 4 meeting dented the sentiment of oil bulls. The oil cartel will stick to two million barrels cut per day till November 2023 for now. Also, easing China’s Covid curbs and upbeat US NFP supported oil recovery.