Asian markets ended mostly higher on Thursday due to US Federal Reserve's soothing comments on inflation, interest rates and economic outlook. US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said it is not time yet to start talking about slowing the pace of the central bank's asset purchase program despite a strengthening economic recovery. Chinese shares ended higher due to upbeat first-quarter earnings from many heavyweight companies in the financial sector, while US President Jeo Biden said he told Chinese President Xi that the United States welcomes competition and is not looking for conflict. Meanwhile, Japanese market was closed for Showa Day.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,474.90 | 17.83 | 0.52 |
Hang Seng | 29,303.26 | 231.92 | 0.80 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,012.96 | 38.48 | 0.64 |
KLSE Composite | 1,608.50 | 1.82 | 0.11 |
Nikkei 225 | - | - | - |
Straits Times | 3,221.58 | 2.02 | 0.06 |
KOSPI Composite | 3,174.07 | -7.40 | -0.23 |
Taiwan Weighted | 17,566.66 | -0.87 | -- |