Asian markets ended mostly higher on Thursday, amid global investors awaited US inflation data for any sign the Federal Reserve could start tapering its massive stimulus. Chinese shares ended higher as inflation fears eased after China's central bank Governor Yi Gang said inflation is basically under control, and monetary policy would be kept steady. Meanwhile, reports that United States and China spoke by telephone and agreed to promote healthy trade and cooperate over differences, too supporting market sentiments. Moreover, Japanese shares gained after the Japanese government is poised to launch a large-scale economic stimulus package this summer ahead of a planned snap general election.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,610.86 | 19.46 | 0.54 |
Hang Seng | 28,738.88 | -3.75 | -0.01 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,107.54 | 60.06 | 0.99 |
KLSE Composite | 1,579.90 | -1.58 | -0.10 |
Nikkei 225 | 28,958.56 | 97.76 | 0.34 |
Straits Times | 3,162.50 | 9.03 | 0.29 |
KOSPI Composite | 3,224.64 | 8.46 | 0.26 |
Taiwan Weighted | 17,159.22 | 193.00 | 1.14 |
