Asian equity markets ended mixed on Thursday as the dollar inched up against the yen and oil eked out small gains after falling as much as 3 percent overnight on data showing a larger-than-expected increase in US gasoline stocks. Japanese shares ended higher on bargain hunting as Moody's Investors Service retained the sovereign ratings of the country with 'stable' outlook and the yen weakened against the dollar, bolstered by reports that the US Congress is on track to approve legislation that would avert a partial government shutdown over the weekend. Meanwhile, Chinese stocks ended lower due to year-end profit booking by investors.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,272.05 | -21.91 | -0.67 |
Hang Seng | 28,303.19 | 78.39 | 0.28 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,006.84 | -28.67 | -0.48 |
KLSE Composite | 1,719.05 | 0.72 | 0.04 |
Nikkei 225 | 22,498.03 | 320.99 | 1.45 |
Straits Times | 3,388.14 | -9.07 | -0.27 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,461.98 | -12.39 | -0.50 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,355.76 | -38.16 | -0.37 |