Asia-Pacific Markets Mixed Amid Economic Data and Rate Cuts

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed as investors reacted to Japan's trade data. Japan's exports in November grew 6.1% year on year, surpassing economists' expectations of an average 4.8% rise, according to data from the country's finance ministry.

This growth was also higher than the 3.6% seen in the previous month. The Nikkei 225 added 0.26% to close at 49,512.28, while the Topix closed around the flatline at 3,369.39. South Korea's Kospi gained 1.43% to reach 4,056.41, while the small-cap Kosdaq saw a decline of 0.55%, closing at 911.07.

Notably, Japanese financial institution SBI Shinsei Bank experienced a significant rise of over 12% following a 322 billion yen, or $2.1 billion, initial public offering, with shares priced at 1,450 yen each.

The mixed performance reflects ongoing economic challenges and varying investor sentiment in the region, particularly in light of recent interest rate cuts by the Bank of Thailand.