On September 18, 2016, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 opened higher by 0.17%, while Asian markets awaited trading resumption after the New Year holiday. Nikkei 225 Chicago futures were noted at 39,605, below a previous close of 39,894.54. Traders focused on Singapore’s Q4 GDP, projected to grow by 3.3% year-over-year, and China’s December Caixin manufacturing PMI, anticipated to rise to 51.7. Japanese markets were closed for a bank holiday. U.S. stock futures were largely stable as investors were optimistic following substantial annual gains, with the S&P 500 achieving over 20% growth for the second consecutive year.
