Asian markets ended higher on Monday as weak US economic data released on Friday cemented hopes that the US Federal Reserve could strike a dovish stance this week. The US Federal Reserve was also set to begin its March policy meeting later in the week. Investors also remained hopeful for a US-China trade deal after Xinhua news agency reported the US and China have made further concrete progress on the text of the trade agreement between the two sides. Chinese shares ended higher on expectations that there is scope to ease monetary policy to support economic growth this year. Japanese shares rose despite weak February export data. The country's exports fell for a third month in February amid waning external demand, putting pressure on the Bank of Japan to offer more stimulus.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,096.42 | 74.67 | 2.47 |
Hang Seng | 29,409.01 | 396.75 | 1.37 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,509.45 | 48.27 | 0.75 |
KLSE Composite | 1,690.94 | 10.40 | 0.62 |
Nikkei 225 | 21,584.50 | 133.65 | 0.62 |
Straits Times | 3,212.96 | 12.78 | 0.40 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,179.49 | 3.38 | 0.16 |
Taiwan Weighted | 10,512.70 | 73.46 | 0.70 |
