Most of the Asian equity benchmarks are trading in the early deals on Monday, as better-than-expected Chinese manufacturing data released on Sunday boosted investor sentiments. Further, policymakers said they will cut the reserve requirement ratio for some lenders too influenced the market. On the regional front, the Japanese stock market improved buoyed by strong Chinese manufacturing data and a weaker yen. Among the other stock markets in the region, Singapore, South Korea and Indonesia are trading marginally higher. Malaysia is trading in negative territory.
Nikkei 225 surged 305.25 points or 2.09% to 14,937.63, Straits Times increased by 1.32 points or 0.04% to 3,297.17 and Seoul Composite was up by 4.61 points or 0.23% to 1,999.57.
On the flip side, Jakarta Composite slipped 17.43 points or 0.36% to 4,876.48 and KLSE Composite was down by 11.17 points or 0.60% to 1,862.21.
Taiwan, China and Hong Kong markets remained shut for the trade today for the Dragon Boat Festival.