Asian stocks trade mixed, EU referendum in spotlight

A better risk tone persists in the markets this decisive Thursday, with the Asian equities holding moderate gains as all eyes remain glued to the EU referendum, which begins at 6GMT today.

The Chinese equities failed to benefit from renewed optimism, as markets almost price-in a Bremain victory, with the poll outcome due within 24 hours from now.

Moreover, higher oil prices also add to the persistent risk-on market profile, thereby, boosting the energy sector stocks on the region’s indices.

Countdown to  EU referendum begins

The Japanese benchmark index, the Nikkei 225 jumps +0.45% to 16,140, underpinned by a stronger USD/JPY at 104.65 levels, up +0.25% so far. The Australian markets also keep gains, with the ASX 200 index up 0.13% at 5,277.

While the Chinese equities ditched its Asian rivals and traded in the red, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite index down -0.45% below 2,900 levels, the CSI300 index drops -0.57%.