All the Asian equity indices, barring KOSPI Composite, are trading in the green terrain tracking momentum from US data showing some promise of a credible recovery, supported by Federal Reserve’s easing plans. Moreover, firm manufacturing data from Europe and China too boosted the sentiments. Chinese benchmark rose by over half a percent followed with positive news over the weekend, with growth in its official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for the non-manufacturing sector ticked up in January for the fourth straight monthly rise, confirming the world's second-largest economy was showing a modest recovery.
Shanghai Composite rose 14.10 points or 0.58% to 2,433.12, Hang Seng surged 122.21 points or 0.52% to 23,844.05, Jakarta Composite added 3.69 points or 0.08% to 4,485.32, KLSE Composite increased 6.40 points or 0.39% to 1,633.95, Nikkei 225 soared 77.67 points or 0.69% to 11,269.01, Straits Times jumped 21.10 points or 0.64% to 3,312.24 and Taiwan Weighted was up by 67.76 points or 0.86% to 7,923.73.
On the flip side, KOSPI Composite was down by 3.09 points or 0.16% to 1,954.70.
