Asian Markets Decline Amid Anticipation of Central Bank Decisions

Asian stocks fell due to speculation investors are reducing their holdings ahead of events such as major central bank decisions, key economic data, and US megacap company earnings. July is predicted to see a 0.4% decrease in the MSCI Asia Pacific Index, with Hong Kong stocks leading losses. The yen weakened against all its Group-of-10 peers as the Bank of Japan began a two-day meeting, with speculation that policy tightening will be too slow to dent the appeal of yen-funded carry trades. The dollar was mixed as traders positioned for a Federal Reserve review. China`s bonds advanced, with 10-year yields dropping to another record low. Investors are also assessing the outcome of a Chinese Politburo meeting for guidance on potential stimulus measures.