Economic Data
(CN) CHINA SEPT CONFERENCE BOARD LEADING ECONOMIC INDEX M/M: 0.3% V 1.7% PRIOR (3-month low)
(PH) PHILIPPINES AUG TRADE BALANCE: -$1.26B V -$236M PRIOR; TOTAL IMPORTS: -0.4% V -0.8% PRIOR; TOTAL MONTHLY IMPORTS: $5.1B V $5.0B PRIOR
(JP) JAPAN SEPT CORPORATE SERVICE PRICE INDEX M/M: -0.5% V -0.5%E (4th consecutive and largest decline in 7 months)
(JP) Japan investors bought net ¥474.6B in Foreign Bonds last week vs bought net ¥705.3B prior week; Foreign Investors bought net ¥195.2B in Japan stocks last week vs sold ¥26.7B in prior week
Markets Snapshot (as of 04:00GMT)
Nikkei225 +0.3%
S&P/ASX +0.2%
Kospi -0.1%
Shanghai Composite -0.2%
Hang Seng -0.1%
Dec S&P500 +0.3% at 1,409
Dec gold +0.3% at 1,706/oz
Dec Crude Oil +0.2% at $85.87/brl
Notes/Observations
Asian equity markets are trading mixed as bearish tone of the past few sessions gives way to some relief. A report from Chinese press citing an official with the NDRC has indicated a widely anticipated fiscal package may well be forthcoming shortly, just as Beijing prepares for leadership transition at its 18th Communist Party congress set to start in exactly two weeks.
Similarly in Japan, local press noted the government is preparing a ¥400B stimulus to be approved as early as tomorrow while credit rating agencies fret about its fiscal stand-off. Finally, the FOMC decision in US hours was largely a repeat of last month's statement, pledging QE-infinity and "exceptionally low levels at least through mid-2015," albeit with an acknowledgement of inflation picking up and household spending "advancing a bit more quickly."
In the currency markets, USD/JPY and NZD/USD were the biggest movers - the former in favor of USD following a warning pertaining to Japan govt unable to agree on deficit covering bonds and the latter after less dovish than expected statement from RBNZ. In sum, 2-week highs in NZD/USD and a fresh test of the ¥80 USD/JPY handle resulted in NZD/JPY cross hitting 6-month highs near the ¥66 level. Regarding Japan, S&P analyst said that further delays in passing deficit-financing bill has serious implications for Japan's sovereign debt rating, even if the danger is not immediate.
Recall opposition party continues its stand-off with the cabinet in search of a more concrete date for PM Noda to dissolve national elections. In New Zealand, RBNZ decision was the first under the leadership of its new governor Wheeler, who added that market sentiment has improved and risks to global outlook more balanced. This was perceived as a departure from his more dovish predecessor who left the door open to more easing in the event of deteriorating conditions. After the decision, New Zealand economic development minister Joyce warned it would be no surprise if economic growth slows in H2, noting the NZD currency is impacted by more than just the cash rate.
Fixed Income/Currencies/Commodities
NZD/USD: Extending gains above $0.82 in the wake of RBNZ rate decision; Up about 60 pips
(AU) S&P revised New South Wales long-term Outlook to Negative; affirms rating
(AU) S&P revises Outlook for Western Australia to Negative
USD/KRW: (KR) South Korea Fin Min Bahk: Concerned about unstable prices; government is closely watching movements of the Won
USD/KRW (KR) South Korea Hyundai Research Institute (HRI) think tank: Profitability of exporters eroded by continued KRW strength - Korean press
VALE: Reports Q3 EPS $0.32 v $0.50e; Rev $10.7B v $12.2Be - filing
Speakers/Political/In the Papers
(CN) China National Development and Reform Commission's (NDRC) official: China to take measures to stimulate domestic demand - financial press
(CN) China industry minister: Domestic economy seeing pressure from weak external demand; Industrial sector stabilization trend is still not solid - financial press
(NZ) BNZ head of research Toplis: No indication in RBNZ statement that they would consider additional easing - NZ Herald
(KR) South Korea Trade Ministry: To hold 4th round of FTA talks with China next week - Korean press
(JP) New Japan stimulus package could cost as much as ¥400B, to be approved on Friday, Oct 26th - Kyodo
Asia Equities
Sharp 6753.JP: May report H1 net loss of ¥400B, nearly double from y/y period; Rev seen in line with ests of ¥1.1T - Nikkei News
Daihatsu 7262.JP: Reports H1 Net ¥44.4B v ¥21.4B y/y, Op Profit ¥73.7B v ¥42.0B y/y, Rev ¥862.7B v ¥711.3B y/y
Daewoo E&C047040.KR: Awarded KRW1.23T order to build a combined cycle power plant in Algeria - financial press
ANZ.AU: Reports FY12 Net A$5.66B v A$5.96Be
Newcrest NCM.AU: Exec: Sees room for greater dividend distribution in the future; outlook for gold prices is positive
US Equities
FFIV: Reports Q4 $1.12 v $1.18e, R$362.6M v $367Me; -10.6% afterhours
CLF: Reports Q3 $0.59 v $1.05e, R$1.54B v $1.74Be; -6.5% afterhours
BBY: Announces Leadership Changes to U.S. Business; Provides Q3 update; expects Q3 EPS to be significantly below y/y period (implies Q3 EPS below $0.47 v $0.36e); -6.1% afterhours
TEX: Reports Q3 $0.62 (adj) v $0.50e, R$1.82B v $1.95Be; -3.7% afterhours
CTXS: Reports Q3 $0.68 v $0.65e, R$641M v $651Me; +1.7% afterhours
WYNN: Reports Q3 $1.48 v $1.33e, R$1.29B v $1.31Be; Raises quarterly dividend to $1/shr starting in 2013; +3.5% afterhours
AKAM: Reports Q3 $0.43 v $0.41e, R$345.3M v $339Me; +7.0% afterhours
SYMC: Reports Q2 $0.45 v $0.37e, R$1.70B v $1.66Be; +9.9% afterhours
ZNGA: Reports Q3 $0.00 v -$0.01e, R$316M v $256Me; +13.7% afterhours