Asian stock exchanges little moved but positive after Wall Street records

The Tokyo Stock Exchange ended the session little changed, on a Christmas day marked by thin trading, with buying focused on technology, in the wake of indications coming in from overseas, and the US administration's concessions to semiconductor exports to China. The Nikkei index gained just 0.13% to 50,407.79, adding 63 points. On the foreign exchange front, the yen appreciated again against the dollar at 155.80 and against the euro at 183.60.

Chinese stock exchanges also closed positively in today's session. At the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the composite index rose 0.47% to 3,959.62 points, while at the Shenzhen Stock Exchange the composite index gained 0.33% to 13,531.41 points. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange was closed for public holidays. Investors were encouraged by a communication from the People's Bank of China, China's central bank, which promised to ensure an adequate supply of currency to support financing, economic growth and to maintain inflation targets. Earlier in the week, the Pboc (People's Bank of China) had opted to keep its key short-term lending rates unchanged.