The Asian markets ended mostly higher on Thursday, with an overnight rally in oil prices and positive economic data from the US underpinning investor sentiment. The Institute of Supply Management reported on Wednesday that its non-manufacturing activity index surged to a reading of 57.1, hitting an 11-month high and well above market consensus of 53. Japanese shares extended gains for a fourth consecutive session as a weaker yen boosted investors' risk appetite. Hong Kong stocks ended higher, boosted by buying of Chinese shares as some investors built positions ahead of next week's reopening of the China market. However, gains remained capped ahead of the all-important US jobs report due on Friday, which could shed some light on whether there will be a rate increase at the Fed's policy meeting in early November.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | - | - | - |
Hang Seng | 23,952.50 | 164.19 | 0.69 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,409.34 | -11.30 | -0.21 |
KLSE Composite | 1,666.73 | 3.81 | 0.23 |
Nikkei 225 | 16,899.10 | 79.86 | 0.47 |
Straits Times | 2,885.22 | 3.43 | 0.12 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,065.30 | 12.30 | 0.60 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,284.31 | 12.03 | 0.13 |