All the Asian equity indices are trading higher in the early deals on Thursday as concerns about a global trade war eased after the White House indicated that some countries could be exempt from President Donald Trump's planned tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Better-than-expected regional economic data also boosted investors' sentiments. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei share average rose as fears about a global trade war amid US President Donald Trump’s push to introduce protectionist tariffs were tempered by signs the move could include carve-outs for key partners.
Nikkei 225 added 101.25 points or 0.48% to 21,353.97, Hang Seng jumped 434.21 points or 1.44% to 30,631.13, Taiwan Weighted rose 94.33 points or 0.88% to 10,839.65, Jakarta Composite gained 55.94 points or 0.88% to 6,424.21, Straits Times spurt 27.86 points or 0.81% to 3,478.55, KOSPI Index strengthened 17.62 points or 0.73% to 2,419.44, Shanghai Composite increased 8.02 points or 0.25% to 3,279.68, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI up by 4.56 points or 0.25% to 1,842.46.
