Asian markets ended mostly higher on Monday as weaker than expected US job growth in April eased concerns over prospects of higher interest rates. Chinese market eked out modest gain, with healthcare firms climbing after European Union leaders cranked up their criticism of the United States call to waive COVID-19 vaccine patents. Japanese market advanced as investors awaited earnings from prominent firms for signs of progress in a pandemic-hit economy. Meanwhile, Seoul stocks hit a record high as a disappointing US jobs report helped allay fears about higher inflation, interest rates and a cutback in stimulus.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 3,427.99 | 9.12 | 0.27 |
| Hang Seng | 28,595.66 | -14.99 | -0.05 |
| Jakarta Composite | 5,975.79 | 47.48 | 0.80 |
| KLSE Composite | 1,583.92 | -3.53 | -0.22 |
| Nikkei 225 | 29,518.34 | 160.52 | 0.55 |
| Straits Times | 3,182.41 | -17.85 | -0.56 |
| KOSPI Composite | 3,249.30 | 52.10 | 1.63 |
