Asia-Pacific markets head into the week with Australia’s CPI as the key domestic catalyst, Japan’s month-end inflation and activity data keeping JPY and equities in focus, and China’s official PMI providing an important read on regional growth momentum.
Quick facts
- China: NBS manufacturing PMI rose to 50.1 in December 2025. Consensus for Saturday’s release is 50.2.
- Australia: CPI, Australia (Dec) is the key local catalyst, with implications for rate expectations and AUD pricing.
- Japan: Tokyo CPI and month-end labour/activity data keep USD/JPY and Nikkei futures in focus following last week’s BoJ meeting.
- Global backdrop: US earnings momentum, US CPI expectations and geopolitical developments remain secondary but relevant drivers for Asia-Pacific risk sentiment.
China
Attention turns to China’s official PMI after December’s improvement saw the PMI move back above 50—a level commonly interpreted as expansion in the survey, though month-to-month readings can be volatile.
Consensus suggests a rise to 50.2; if met, it may help reinforce the view that growth momentum is stabilising into early 2026.
Key release
- Sat 31 Jan: NBS manufacturing and non-manufacturing PMI (Jan)
How markets may respond
- Regional equities and risk: Sustained PMI readings above 50 could support broader Asia risk appetite and materials-linked sectors. A reversal below 50 may temper recent optimism.
- AUD spillover: China-sensitive assets, including the AUD and materials stocks on the ASX, may react alongside domestic CPI outcomes.
Japan
Following last week’s BoJ meeting, focus shifts to Tokyo CPI and month-end activity data. These releases late in the week may shape near-term expectations around Japan’s inflation trajectory and the tone of the dataflow.
Key events
- Thu 29 Jan: Tokyo CPI (Jan) (medium sensitivity)
- Fri 30 Jan: Japan unemployment (Dec), retail sales (Dec), industrial production (Dec) (medium sensitivity)
How markets may respond
- USD/JPY: Month-end inflation and activity data can drive front-end rate repricing, with USD/JPY remaining a key transmission channel.
- JP225 (Nikkei futures): The contract has recently traded in a defined range. Market participants may monitor the ~54,250 area on the upside and ~52,250 on the downside as reference points, with price action around these levels often used to gauge whether the range is persisting.
Australia
Australia’s week is dominated by the CPI release. The outcome may influence rate expectations, with the next scheduled RBA decision still in the balance.
ASX 30 Day Interbank Cash Rate Futures imply around a 56% probability of a cash-rate increase at the next scheduled RBA decision (implied pricing can change quickly and is not a forecast).
AUD pricing is likely to remain sensitive alongside broader global risk conditions.
Key release
- Wed 28 Jan: CPI, Australia (Dec) (high sensitivity)
How markets may respond
- ASX 200: Rate-sensitive sectors may react more to the policy implications than the headline CPI number, particularly given recent strength in materials.
- AUD/USD: CPI outcomes may influence whether AUD/USD sustains around/above its current zone or drifts back toward prior trading ranges.
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