Posted on 12/15/2014 7:54:01 PM PST by Bettyprob
(Reuters) - Sliding oil prices and a downbeat China factory survey weighed on Asian shares on Tuesday, while the ruble jumped against the dollar after Russia sharply increased its benchmark interest rate in a bid to halt a collapse in its currency.
Activity in China's factory sector shrank in December for the first time in seven months as new orders declined, adding to a spate of data showing more fatigue in the world's second-largest economy and heightening expectations that more stimulus will be needed to avert a sharper economic slowdown.
"Concerns about the Russian economy and a slowdown in the Chinese economy are hurting the mood, and the oil price collapse poses a threat to U.S. shale gas production," said Kyoya Okazawa, head of global equities at BNP Paribas.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
The Chinese and Russians are getting beat up. The Hong Kong democracy protests are affecting the Chinese business markets.
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