“Asian stock markets” open negative as investors keep an eye on the US CPI index.

Asian stock markets opened lower today (February 13, 2566) as investors await key economic data this week, such as the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), which will be a determining factor in the Federal Reserve's (Fed) monetary policy direction.

The Nikkei Index opened at 27,550.35 points, down 120.63 points or -0.43%, the Hang Seng Index opened at 20,910.08 points, down 280.34 points or -1.31%, and the Shanghai Composite Index opened at 3,256.99 points, down 3.68 points or -0.11%.

China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation in consumer spending, rose 2.1% year-on-year in January. This was lower than analysts' expectations of 2.2% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, consumer spending will be limited. Even though the government has lifted COVID-19 control measures It is the majority.

The Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures the cost of goods at the factory gate, fell 0.8% in January year-on-year. This was lower than analysts' expectations for a 0.5% decline.

The latest inflation figures are combined with recently released business activity data for January. reflect that China's economy, the world's second-largest, continues to face difficulties in recovering from COVID-19. and the global economic slowdown