What is China's expected consumer inflation rate for December?

China's consumer price inflation for December is expected to be 0.8% year-on-year.

How are Asian markets performing ahead of China's data release?

Asia-Pacific markets were set for a higher open, with Japan's Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng futures indicating gains.

Will China's inflation data impact the Nikkei 225?

The market's anticipation of China's inflation data is influencing the trading sentiment for Asian markets, including the Nikkei 225.

Home / Business and Economy / Asia Stocks Poised for Higher Open on Inflation Watch

Asia Stocks Poised for Higher Open on Inflation Watch

9 Jan

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Summary

Asia-Pacific markets expected higher on Friday.
China's December consumer inflation forecast at 0.8%.
Nikkei 225 futures indicate a higher opening for Japan.

Asia Stocks Poised for Higher Open on Inflation Watch

Asia-Pacific markets were positioned for a positive start on Friday, January 10, 2026, as traders awaited crucial economic indicators from China. The day's focus was primarily on China's December consumer price inflation data, with economists polled by Reuters projecting a modest rise to 0.8% year-on-year, up from November's 0.7% figure. This inflation reading is expected to influence regional market sentiment.

Markets in Japan showed signs of an upward trajectory, with futures for the benchmark Nikkei 225 index trading higher than its last closing price. Similarly, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index futures indicated a strong opening. In contrast, Australia's ASX/S&P 200 showed a slight movement below the flatline, suggesting varied investor confidence across the region.

The anticipation of China's inflation figures underscored a cautious yet optimistic mood across the Asia-Pacific trading landscape. Investors were closely monitoring these economic signals to gauge the health of the world's second-largest economy and its potential impact on global markets.