Asian markets finished mostly higher on Wednesday following approval of US stimulus package by US Congress. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday not to sign an $892 billion corona virus relief bill, saying he wants Congress to increase the amount in the stimulus checks for individuals to $2,000 from $600, or he may veto the legislation. Market sentiments improved further as concerns over a new Covid-19 strain eased, and WHO said the new Covid-19 variant found in UK is not out of control and it can be prevented via existing measures. Chinese shares ended higher after Covid-19 vaccine candidate developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences was found to be safe and triggered immune responses in early and mid-stage trials.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,382.32 | 25.54 | 0.76 |
Hang Seng | 26,343.10 | 223.85 | 0.86 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,008.71 | -14.58 | -0.24 |
KLSE Composite | 1,647.50 | 15.58 | 0.95 |
Nikkei 225 | 26,524.79 | 88.40 | 0.33 |
Straits Times | 2,833.40 | 6.08 | 0.22 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,759.82 | 26.14 | 0.96 |
Taiwan Weighted | 14,223.09 | 45.63 | 0.32 |
