2017.03.2121:45:00UTC+00Asian Markets in Red, Gold Stabilizes Above $1,240

All the major Asian indices were trading on a lower note in early hours of Asia. Gold and silver were trading marginally higher. Gold was trading around $1,245 mark while silver was trading around $17.50 marks. In early hours of Asia, Japan released trade balance data as well as monetary policy meeting minutes. Japan’s February trade balance total yen increases to 813.4 bln jpy (forecast 822.0 bln jpy) vs previous -1086.9 bln jpy.

Below mention are the key statements from the Central bank Governors:

• BOJ minutes - Members shared view that yield curve is formed in smooth manner under YCC.
   
• BOJ minutes - Most members said companies will likely raise prices as consumer spending increases moderately.
   
• BOJ minutes - Members shared view that risks to economy, prices are to the downside.
   
• BOJ board member Funo - Economy's momentum for hitting 2 pct inflation remains in place.
   
• BOJ board member Funo - Some in markets see chance BOJ may raise yield target, but now it is important to maintain powerful monetary easing.
   
• BOJ board member Funo - Inflation likely to reach 2 pct during fiscal 2018.
   
• BOJ board member Funo - Japan making progress in structural reforms but more efforts needed to boost its growth potential.
   
• Fed's Rosengren - Hot U.S. commercial real estate sector could amplify potential economic downturn.
   
• Fed's Rosengren - Regulators should consider better alternative tools to protect economy from real estate run-up.
   
• Fed's Rosengren - Sharp rise in U.S. apartment prices may signal financial instabilities.

Japan’s Nikkei was trading around 2.07 percent lower at 19,053 points.

Hong Kong’s Hang seng was trading 1.18 percent lower at 24,301 points.

Australia’s S&P ASX200 was trading around 1.56 percent lower at 5,684 marks.

South Korea’s Kospi was trading 0.75 percent lower at 2,162 points.

Shanghai composite index to open down 0.5 pct at 3,246.22 points and China's CSI300 index to open down 0.5 pct at 3,450.75 points.

Taiwan stocks open down 0.6 pct at 9,911.96 points.