Taiwan: Stocks down slightly on caution ahead of inflation, trade data

[TAIPEI] Taiwan stocks were down Thursday ahead of inflation and trade data for May, to be issued in coming days, that could show subdued activity in the trade-reliant economy.

As of 0128 GMT, the main TAIEX index fell 0.1 per cent to 9,545.85, after closing down for the fourth session in a row, off 0.6 per cent on Wednesday.

May exports were expected to show a fall for the fourth straight month from a year earlier, but should have narrowed from April's steep decline, while inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, was also expected to have contracted.

The CPI will be issued Friday, while the trade figures are due on Monday.

REUTERS