Asian markets ended mostly higher on Thursday, even as investors are cautious ahead of the monthly US jobs report due on Friday that could offer cues on the US economic recovery and near-term Federal Reserve policy action. Meanwhile, the Fed's Beige Book survey showed that the US economic growth increased at a ‘moderate pace’ from early April to late May, and the overall price pressure further increased. Japanese shares ended higher, boosted up by optimism over the nation's vaccine rollout. However, Chinese shares dropped after a private survey showed that Chinese services activity growth slowed in May. The Caixin/ Markit services Purchasing Managers’ Index for May came in at 55.1, down from 56.3 in April.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,584.21 | -12.93 | -0.36 |
Hang Seng | 28,966.03 | -331.59 | -1.13 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,091.51 | 59.93 | 0.99 |
KLSE Composite | 1,590.57 | -7.37 | -0.46 |
Nikkei 225 | 29,058.11 | 111.97 | 0.39 |
Straits Times | 3,165.00 | 3.96 | 0.13 |
KOSPI Composite | 3,247.43 | 23.20 | 0.72 |
Taiwan Weighted | 17,246.16 | 81.12 | 0.47 |
