Asian stock markets mixed at Monday close

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) – Major Asian stock markets were mixed at Monday's close after head of the International Monetary Fund warned on Sunday that risks to global financial stability increased amid banking crisis.

Speaking at the China Development Forum in Beijing, Kristalina Georgieva said China was projected to give a significant boost to the world economy, accounting for about a third of global growth in 2023.

The Asia Dow, which includes blue-chip companies in the region, fell 0.84% to 3,314.48 points.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 gained 0.33% to close at 27,476.87 points.

The Hang Seng, the benchmark for blue-chip stocks trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange, tumbled 1.75% to 19,567.69 points.

Hong Kong’s trade deficit grew to $45.4 billion in February from $32.1 billion a year ago, according to data released on Monday.

Its exports decreased for the 10th consecutive month in February, down by 8.8% year-on-year to $286.2 billion while imports fell 4.1% to $331.6 billion in the same period.

China's Shanghai Stock Exchange slipped 0.44% to close at 3,251.40 points on Monday.

The Singapore index rose 0.82% to end the day at 3,239.03 points, while India's Sensex benchmark hiked 0.22% to close at 57,653.86.