Asian equity markets ended mostly in green on Thursday in a quiet post-Christmas holiday trading, as strong economic data from the region and in the US boosted confidence. Buying interest was a bit subdued in most of the markets in the region. Almost all the markets in the region started off on a firm note, but failed to sustain at higher levels. Volume of business was thin as investors chose to stay on the sidelines ahead of the weekend and New Year Day holiday. Despite some fairly encouraging economic data, the Japanese market ended lower, with machinery, banking and warehouses stocks registering notable losses. A stronger yen and lack of positive catalysts dragged stock prices down.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,296.39 | 20.60 | 0.63 |
Hang Seng | 29,863.71 | 266.05 | 0.90 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,314.05 | 36.88 | 0.59 |
KLSE Composite | 1,779.10 | 7.34 | 0.41 |
Nikkei 225 | 22,783.98 | -127.23 | -0.56 |
Straits Times | 3,399.10 | 7.43 | 0.22 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,467.49 | 30.82 | 1.26 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,567.64 | 80.97 | 0.77 |