Asian shares ended higher on Friday after reassurance from European Central Bank President Mario Draghi that the ECB is willing to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro. Investors are hopeful for the quick move from central banks to tackle skyrocketing borrowing costs in countries like Spain. However, Korea was among the strongest performers as Samsung Electronics reported decent profit. In Japan, Nissan Motor gained 2.8%, despite reporting a smaller-than-expected first quarter operating profit, as investors bought scrips amid expectations that the company's earnings are expected to bottom in the first half. Meanwhile in Hong Kong, AIA Group rallied after the insurer reported above-view results for the first half of the year.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 2,128.76 | 2.76 | 0.13 |
Hang Seng | 19,274.96 | 382.17 | 2.02 |
Jakarta Composite | 4,084.21 | 79.44 | 1.98 |
KLSE Composite | 1,624.94 | 1.03 | 0.06 |
Nikkei 225 | 8,566.64 | 123.54 | 1.46 |
Straits Times | 2,998.49 | -6.08 | -0.20 |
KOSPI Composite | 1,829.16 | 46.69 | 2.62 |
Taiwan Weighted | 7,124.49 | 153.80 | 2.21 |