Most Stock Indices Are Waiting for Results of the Federal Reserve Meeting
Despite being up at the start of the trading day, Indonesia's main stock index (IHSG) was under pressure for the remainder of Wednesday (31/07) due to investors' appetite for profit taking. Indonesian company reports (Semester I-2013) were mixed and, in combination with other mixed Asian indices, it made many investors wait and see for the meeting of the Federal Reserve first. Asian indices suffered because of Malaysia's and India's downgrade by Fitch Ratings. This triggered speculation whether Indonesia's outlook will be cut as well.
In the end, however, the IHSG was able to post limited growth as - just before closing - investors returned to buy Indonesian assets. The index grew 0.04 percent to 4,610.38 points. Trading volume and total value of transactions weakened, with foreign investors continuing to record net sales, while domestic investors were net buyers of Indonesian stocks.
The Indonesian rupiah is still weakening against the US dollar as market participants are eager to sell rupiahs ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting. The Australian dollar and Rupee also weakened as speculation emerged that central banks of both countries will cut its benchmark interest rates to support economic growth of the economies.
| Source: Bank IndonesiaAsian stock indices were mixed but with a weakening trend ahead of the Fed meeting. Japan's Nikkei index was affected heaviest after its manufacturing PMI experienced a drop. In combination with yesterday's released lower industrial production, it caused many investors to sell their Japanese assets. Moreover, the yen strengthened against the US dollar, which added to negative sentiments.
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