Asian markets ended the holiday-affected day of trade in red terrain on Friday, as investors fretted over rising geopolitical tensions, especially the situation on the Korean Peninsula. While most of the regional counters like Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore markets remained closed in observance of Good Friday, the Asian markets that remained open reflected the worries about tensions in the Middle East and North Korea. US president Donald Trump has vowed to take action to stop North Korea’s nuclear programme unless China manages to constrain its neighbour. Meanwhile, Chinese stocks fell as speculative funds are rumored to be withdrawing from small caps, triggering broader selloff worries amid tightening regulatory pressure. Caution also continued over U.S. trade relations with Asian economies ahead of Vice President Mike Pence’s scheduled visit to the region next week.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,249.07 | -29.89 | -0.91 |
Hang Seng | -- | -- | -- |
Jakarta Composite | -- | -- | -- |
KLSE Composite | 1,730.99 | -7.19 | -0.41 |
Nikkei 225 | 18,335.63 | -91.21 | -0.49 |
Straits Times | -- | -- | -- |
KOSPI Composite | 2,134.88 | -13.73 | -0.64 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,732.93 | -103.75 | -1.05 |