Asian equity markets closed mostly higher on Monday after better-than-expected US jobs data generated optimism about growth in the world's largest economy, but spurred expectations that it could lead to a third rate rise this year in December by the Federal Reserve. US non-farm payroll employment surged up by 209,000 jobs in July after spiking by an upwardly revised 231,000 jobs in June. The jobless rate edged down to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent in June. Investors also awaited Pyongyang's response after the UN Security Council unanimously approved tough new sanctions Saturday to punish North Korea for its escalating nuclear and missile programs. Japanese shares ended higher as the yen weakened on better-than-expected US jobs data and Toyota raised its earnings outlook. Chinese shares ended higher ahead of forex reserves, trade and inflation data due this week.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,279.46 | 17.38 | 0.53 |
Hang Seng | 27,690.36 | 127.68 | 0.46 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,749.29 | -28.19 | -0.49 |
KLSE Composite | 1,777.91 | 3.38 | 0.19 |
Nikkei 225 | 20,055.89 | 103.56 | 0.52 |
Straits Times | 3,320.67 | -5.85 | -0.18 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,398.75 | 3.30 | 0.14 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,579.38 | 72.82 | 0.69 |