Most of the Asian equity indices snapped the day’s trade in the green on Thursday on hopes for stimulus measures in the United States and Europe as well as promises of help for Spain’s banks. Moreover, Australian dollar climbed on strong employment data too supported the sentiments. However, the gains remained capped as decision by the European Central Bank to keep rates on hold disappointed investors.
Meanwhile, South Korean Kospi and Japanese Nikkei surged 2.56% and 1.24% respectively on Thursday on hopes of further stimulus measures from the United States and on signs that European policymakers could take concrete action to support ailing Spanish banks. However, Chinese Shanghai ended down 0.71%, setting a two-month low despite a morning rally, weighed down by concerns over slowing economic growth.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 2,293.13 | -16.43 | -0.71 |
Hang Seng | 18,678.29 | 157.76 | 0.85 |
Jakarta Composite | 3,840.60 | -0.74 | -0.02 |
KLSE Composite | 1,575.31 | 5.88 | 0.37 |
Nikkei 225 | 8,639.72 | 106.19 | 1.24 |
Straits Times | 2,759.26 | -1.57 | -0.06 |
KOSPI Composite | 1,847.95 | 46.10 | 2.56 |
Taiwan Weighted | 7,080.31 | 24.16 | 0.34 |