Asian stocks turn mixed, European stocks edged up

Asian markets were mixed in trading pattern. The fresh economic indicators from China were in line of positive expectations and supported the markets on Wednesday.

European markets were trading marginally higher on encouraging quarterly numbers and takeover news. The Japan's Nikkei further moved up registering rise for six sessions in a row.

The major Asian indices Shanghai, Jakarta, Kospi, Nikkei, Sensex, etc, were marginally up, while Hang Seng, SET Composite index, Karachi ended lower. 

According to the latest data released on Wednesday, the retail sales in the dragon country rose 11 percent on year-on-year basis and this is marginally higher than Reuters' forecast of 10.9 percent.

The Urban investment in China was up 10.2 percent in October and this was in line with market expectations. More encouragingly, Chinese industrial production rose 5.6 percent slightly below the 5.8 percent forecast made by Reuters poll. 

Nikkie index rose 0.1 percent to 19,691.39 points. Despite the strengthening of Yen, Nikkei continued to surge. The Topix index rose 0.4 percent to 1,595.32 and JPX-Nikkei Index-400 rose 0.4 percent to 14,368.05 points. 

European investors were focusing on country and company-specific factors while data from China was giving mixed outlook about its economy. European stocks rose on quarterly earnings and other takeover news. The US dollar is marginally turned weaker. 

Over five shares rose for every one share dropped in Stoxx Europe-600 index. The better than forecast earning numbers from Carlsberg A/S and Henkel AG boosted investors' confidence.

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV has submitted a formal offer for taking over SABMiller Plc.

Despite growth in Chinese industrial output, it fell below the forecast and this factor disappointed the market. 

Chinese industrial output further slowed down in October, while retail sales were encouraging amid weakness in the economy. Retail sales were above the forecast. China's economy slowdown impacted global markets adversely during the third quarter.

Unexpected devaluation of Chinese currency Yuan further dampened the global business confidence. 

Hong Kong stocks ended lower following the losses in energy stocks offset the gains emerged from Chinese latest data. Chinese mobile technology firm Tencent announced encouraging third quarter results and this news was overlooked by the drop in oil prices that impacted energy stocks significantly.

The Hang Seng index was dropped marginally by 0.2 percent to 22,352.17 points. The total trading volume in Hang Seng index stocks was 1.5 billion shares. 

Zurich-based investment firm opined that the overall tone is upbeat and markets are normalizing. There was profit taking in the market after Fed meeting that didn't take any decision on interest rate hike.