Most of the Asian equity indices snapped the session on higher note on Tuesday after data showed a slightly improved housing market in the US. The National Association of Realtors said its index of sales agreements rose 2 percent last month to a reading of 97, the highest since April 2010. A reading of 100 is considered healthy. Moreover, ease in crude oil prices too supported the sentiments. Benchmark oil slipped below $108 per barrel while the dollar fell against the euro and the yen.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong index rose over one and a half percent in relatively thin Tuesday trade, bolstered by property and Chinese financials, ahead of key corporate earnings scheduled to be released after the market close. The Shanghai Composite Index reversed all its early losses to end up 0.2 percent at 2,451.86, extending its winning streak into an eighth session and closing at the highest since November 17, 2011. In addition, Japanese shares gained 0.92 percent on Tuesday to close at a seven-month high after late bargain-hunting reversed early losses.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 2,451.86 | 4.80 | 0.20 |
Hang Seng | 21,568.73 | 350.87 | 1.65 |
Jakarta Composite | 3,903.56 | 42.54 | 1.10 |
KLSE Composite | 1,556.73 | -2.31 | -0.15 |
Nikkei 225 | 9,722.52 | 88.59 | 0.92 |
Straits Times | 2,969.73 | 22.95 | 0.78 |
Seoul Composite | 2,003.69 | 12.53 | 0.63 |
Taiwan Weighted | - | - | - |