Asian Stocks Trade in Narrow Range as Investors Eye Central Bank Decisions and China PMIs

Asian stock markets moved cautiously on Tuesday, holding within tight ranges as mixed economic signals from China and anticipation of central bank decisions kept investors on edge. Australian shares were flat ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s policy announcement, while broader Asian indexes showed limited momentum despite support from overnight gains on Wall Street’s technology sector. Concerns over a possible U.S. government shutdown and fresh trade tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on lumber and wood products also weighed on sentiment.

In China, the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes rose less than 0.2%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped slightly. Trading activity was muted before the week-long National Day holiday. Government data showed China’s manufacturing activity contracted for a sixth straight month, with service sector growth also slowing. However, private PMI data told a different story, with RatingDog reporting the sharpest manufacturing expansion in six months alongside robust services growth. Analysts note that the persistent weakness in official PMIs could prompt Beijing to roll out additional stimulus, as previous policy support appeared to be losing momentum.

Australia’s ASX 200 index remained largely unchanged, with traders awaiting the RBA’s rate decision. The central bank is expected to keep interest rates at 3.60%, but investors are closely watching Governor Michele Bullock’s comments for clues on future policy shifts. While inflation remains sticky, signs of economic resilience could delay any further rate cuts this year after 75 basis points of easing already delivered.

Elsewhere, Japan’s Nikkei 225 dipped 0.2% while the TOPIX held flat, pressured by yen strength and weaker-than-expected industrial and retail data. India’s Nifty 50 futures pointed to a flat open ahead of the Reserve Bank of India’s decision on Wednesday. South Korea’s KOSPI edged up 0.1%, Singapore’s Straits Times gained 0.2%, though both South Korean industrial and retail figures fell short of forecasts.