Markets rattled by N Korea test
Markets dip then recover as nuclear test sends jitters through Asian investors.
In Japan the benchmark Nikkei index dipped on Monday as investors flinched in response to the first news flashes of the test, pairing gains earlier in the day.
But investors soon tempered their reaction, turning their attention to domestic issues and the upcoming week’s economic reports, driving the Nikkei to end the day up 1.3 per cent.
Analysts said investors have grown used to North Korea’s unpredictability and past experience had helped regional markets avert major turmoil as a result of the test.
“The news flash of North Korea’s nuclear test initially spooked investors,” Y.S. Rhoo, a market analyst at Hyundai Securities in Seoul told Reuters.
“But investors have learned over time that North Korea is more of a political than financial matter.