Asian markets nudge higher but growth worries cap gains

24 Feb 2012 Evaluate

Stocks in the Asian region ended mostly in the positive terrain on the last trading day of the week on the back of solid US data which boosted investors’ sentiment, but gains remained capped over concerns that rising oil prices could deal a further blow to the fragile euro zone economy and moves to take profits after recent rallies. Oil extended gains on heightening concerns about escalating tension between Iran and the West and risks of oil supply disruptions.

Meanwhile, Chinese shares ended up 1.3 percent, recording their sixth-straight weekly gains this week, with the property sector strong on renewed speculation that sales could be supported by anticipated reforms in household registration policy. While, Japanese Nikkei share average broke above 9,600 to its highest closing level in seven months and brought the month’s rally to 9.6 percent, keeping it on track for its best February performance in two decades. In addition, South Korean shares finished higher on Friday, with foreign buying resuming following positive US data.

Asian Indices

Last Trade

Change in Points

Change in %

Shanghai Composite

2,439.63

30.07

1.25

Hang Seng

21,406.86

25.87

0.12

Jakarta Composite

3,894.56

-64.25

-1.62

KLSE Composite

1,558.77

2.11

0.14

Nikkei 225

9,647.38

51.81

0.54

Straits Times

2,978.08

9.74

0.33

Seoul Composite

2,019.89

12.09

0.60

Taiwan Weighted

7,959.34

22.04

0.28

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