Asian equity markets ended mostly in green on Friday after US markets ended flat overnight, showing little reaction to the postponement of a key vote on President Donald Trump's replacement healthcare plan intended to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Underlying sentiment remained positive amid bets that the delayed vote would go ahead later in the day. Failure to pass it would cast doubt on Trump's ability to deliver on promises of increased infrastructure spending, tax cuts and deregulation. Japanese shares recovered from a weak start to close higher as the yen weakened against the dollar and banks posted strong gains after recent selling. The latest survey from Nikkei revealed that activity in Japan's manufacturing sector continued to expand in March, albeit at a slower rate, with a PMI score of 52.6, down from 53.3 in February. Further, Chinese shares rose as strong gains in the infrastructure sector offsetting concerns over tightening liquidity in the country's banking system, increased regulation and fresh curbs on property investment.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,269.45 | 20.90 | 0.64 |
Hang Seng | 24,358.27 | 30.57 | 0.13 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,567.13 | 3.38 | 0.06 |
KLSE Composite | 1,745.75 | -1.25 | -0.07 |
Nikkei 225 | 19,262.53 | 177.22 | 0.93 |
Straits Times | 3,142.90 | 15.97 | 0.51 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,168.95 | -3.77 | -0.17 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,902.98 | -27.76 | -0.28 |