Asian equity markets ended on a mixed note on Tuesday as geopolitical tensions took a backseat following a failed missile test by North Korea at the weekend and US Vice President Mike Pence continuing his tour of Asia. Pence met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the second leg of his tour of the region, where he said the US would work with its allies in dealing with North Korea. Chinese shares ended lower amid worries over increasing regulation and the sustainability of the country's economic growth. Stronger than expected first quarter GDP and March economic data on Monday failed to impress investors, who fear momentum will begin to fade in coming months. Hong Kong shares ended down as traders returned from the Easter long weekend. Meanwhile, Japanese shares ended higher as a weaker yen offered some respite to exporters.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,196.71 | -25.45 | -0.79 |
Hang Seng | 23,924.54 | -337.12 | -1.39 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,606.52 | 29.03 | 0.52 |
KLSE Composite | 1,740.60 | 6.67 | 0.38 |
Nikkei 225 | 18,418.59 | 63.33 | 0.35 |
Straits Times | 3,137.54 | -0.76 | -0.02 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,148.46 | 2.70 | 0.13 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,746.56 | 30.16 | 0.31 |