Asian stock markets were mixed on Wednesday's trading day (19/02). Falling utilities and consumer stocks made a negative impact but this was slightly offset by Australia's higher CB leading indicator and Japan's higher leading composite index. Although Japanese data were good, the Nikkei fell due to the appreciating yen as the US dollar depreciated on weak economic data.

The Indonesian rupiah exchange rate continued to depreciate slightly on Wednesday (19/02) after a number of emerging market currencies fell, particularly those that experience anti-government conflicts (Thailand and the Ukraine). The rupiah was supported by the appreciating euro and British pound amid speculation that the European Bank will continue its monetary easing policy as well as stable inflation in England.

| Source: Bank Indonesia

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