Most of the Asian markets made a positive close on Friday, posting their best week in eight months, even as the global equities rally spurred by the Federal Reserve’s outlook lost momentum. Now traders were eyeing the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Germany which is set to be dominated by debate on protectionism. Seoul shares extended gains for a second day to hit fresh highs in almost two years as foreign investors extended their buying streak for the 10th straight session. Indonesia's Jakarta Composite index too ended higher, a day after the country's central bank left its key interest rate unchanged, as widely expected. On the other hand, Chinese shares fell sharply and lost about a percent, a day after the country's central bank raised short-term interest rates to avoid downward pressure on the yuan and manage capital flows. The Japanese market too ended in red ahead of a long holiday weekend.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,237.45 | -31.49 | -0.96 |
Hang Seng | 24,309.93 | 21.65 | 0.09 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,540.43 | 22.19 | 0.40 |
KLSE Composite | 1,745.20 | 8.06 | 0.46 |
Nikkei 225 | 19,521.59 | -68.55 | -0.35 |
Straits Times | 3,169.38 | 5.86 | 0.19 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,164.58 | 14.50 | 0.67 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,908.69 | 70.86 | 0.72 |