Asian Markets Mixed; Chinese Stocks Down Despite “Constructive” Trade Discussions

Investing.com - Asian markets were mixed in morning trade on Monday. Chinese stocks were down more than 1% even after trade teams from Beijing and Washington held “constructive” discussions.

China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed the meeting took place late last week. The two sides agreed to maintain in contact, China said.

The news failed to lift stocks in China. The Shanghai Composite and the Shenzhen Component were both down 1.3% by 10:40 PM ET (02:40 GMT).

Before the talks began, some reports had suggested that an interim deal was being considered, involving Chinese purchases of U.S. farm goods, some improvements in Chinese market access and an easing of U.S. sanctions on Huawei .

But U.S. President Donald Trump made clear on Friday that he would prefer a complete deal.

"We're looking for a complete deal. I'm not looking for a partial deal," he told reporters, adding that he did not need a deal to happen before the 2020 presidential election.

Earlier reports said China cancelled a visit to U.S. farms last week. However, China Business News reported that China’s Vice Agriculture Minister Han Jun said the withdrawal had nothing to do with trade talks.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 0.8%.

South Korea’s KOSPI was largely unchanged. Down under, Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.4%.

Japan’s stock market is closed today for a holiday.

Looking ahead, investors will get to hear from a number of Fed officials this week, including New York Fed President John Williams (NYSE:WMB), St Louis Fed President James Bullard and Chicago Fed President Charles Evans.

The Fed delivered its second rate cut of 2019 last week as expected.

Related Articles

Chinese farm official says 'good outcome' from trade talks: state media

British travel firm Thomas Cook collapses, stranding hundreds of thousands

Asian shares firmer on improved Sino-U.S. trade tone, oil up 1%