Asian equity markets made a mixed closing on Thursday as falling oil and metals prices coupled with signals from the US central bank that it may hike rates next month offset signs that centrist Emmanuel Macron may win the second round of the French presidential election. The looming monthly US jobs report and a possible House vote on the American Health Care Act also kept investors on tenterhooks. Chinese shares fell slightly after a private survey showed China's service sector activity expanded at a slower rate in April, raising concerns over growing economic risks. The Caixin services PMI slipped to 51.5 in April, the lowest since May 2016, from 52.2 in March. The Japanese markets remain closed for the rest of this week for the Golden Week holiday.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,127.37 | -7.98 | -0.25 |
Hang Seng | 24,683.88 | -12.25 | -0.05 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,669.44 | 22.08 | 0.39 |
KLSE Composite | 1,758.67 | -13.84 | -0.78 |
Nikkei 225 | - | - | - |
Straits Times | 3,228.62 | -9.19 | -0.28 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,241.24 | 21.57 | 0.97 |
Taiwan Weighted | 9,967.64 | 12.31 | 0.12 |