The Asian markets ended mostly higher on Thursday, as oil prices extended overnight gains and the Fed's cautious tone about future rate hike suggested that a rate increase is unlikely at the Fed's next meeting in November, concluding six days before the presidential election. Fed Chair Janet Yellen offered an upbeat assessment of the economic outlook, but noted that a cautious approach in paring back monetary policy support is appropriate given that short-term interest rates are still near zero. Chinese shares ended higher, led by property developers, after Sunac China Holdings said its subsidiary would buy a 17 percent stake in smaller rival Jinke Property. Japanese markets were closed for the Autumnal Equinox holiday.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,042.31 | 16.44 | 0.54 |
Hang Seng | 23,759.80 | 89.90 | 0.38 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,380.26 | 37.67 | 0.71 |
KLSE Composite | 1,669.66 | 10.93 | 0.66 |
Nikkei 225 | - | - | - |
Straits Times | 2,846.06 | -4.68 | -0.16 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,049.70 | 13.71 | 0.67 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,235.26 | 6.76 | 0.07 |