Asian equity markets made a mixed closing on Friday amid political uncertainty in the US and ahead of the US monthly jobs report slated for release later in the day. The dollar remained under selling pressure after the Wall Street Journal reported that US Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible Russian interference in the 2016 elections is intensifying. It was said that Mueller has impaneled a grand jury in Washington to investigate allegations of Russia's interference in the elections. US crude futures remained below $50 a barrel on concerns over high OPEC supplies while the yen hit a seven-week high. Japanese shares ended lower as the yen's strength in the wake of renewed concerns over US President Donald Trump's ability to push through tax changes and a surprisingly soft reading on the US services sector overshadowed investors’ optimism on corporate earnings. Chinese shares ended lower even as a rally in cyclicals remained intact.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,262.08 | -10.85 | -0.33 |
Hang Seng | 27,562.68 | 31.67 | 0.12 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,777.48 | -3.09 | -0.05 |
KLSE Composite | 1,774.53 | 2.63 | 0.15 |
Nikkei 225 | 19,952.33 | -76.93 | -0.38 |
Straits Times | 3,326.52 | -16.40 | -0.49 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,395.45 | 8.60 | 0.36 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,506.56 | 36.68 | 0.35 |