Asian markets end mostly higher on Thursday

31 Oct 2019 Evaluate

Asian markets ended mostly higher on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points as widely expected to keep economic expansion on track, but indicated it is ready to hold off on further rate cuts for now. Meanwhile, the market showed scant reaction to the Bank of Japan's decision to modify its forward policy guidance by offering a stronger signal it may cut interest rates in future. Investors also digested news that Chile has cancelled the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit where US President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping were set to sign an interim agreement to end the 15-month trade war.

Japanese shares ended up after data showed Industrial production in Japan was up a seasonally adjusted 1.4 percent month-on-month in September. That beat forecasts for an increase of 0.4 percent following the 1.2 percent decline in August. On a yearly basis, industrial output was up 1.1 percent - again beating expectations for a decline of 0.1 percent following the 4.7 percent drop in the previous month. Though, Chinese shares ended lower after data showed China's factory activity slipped to an eight month-low in October. The manufacturing PMI fell to 49.3 from 49.8 a month ago. China's service sector also logged weaker growth in October, with the corresponding index coming in at 52.8, down from 53.7 in September.

Asian Indices

Last Trade           

Change in Points

Change in %

Shanghai Composite

2,929.06
-10.26
-0.35

Hang Seng

26,906.72
239.01
0.90

Jakarta Composite

6,228.32
-67.43
-1.07

KLSE Composite

1,597.98

17.98

1.14

Nikkei 225

22,927.04
83.92
0.37

Straits Times

3,229.88
21.96
0.68

KOSPI Composite

2,083.48
3.21
0.15

Taiwan Weighted

11,358.71
-21.57
-0.19


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