Asian markets trade mostly higher in early deals on Friday

03 Feb 2023 Evaluate
Most of the Asian markets traded higher in early deals on Friday, whetted by the investor sentiments amid hopes that US Federal Reserve is nearing the end of its rate hiking cycle. The Fed had raised benchmark interest rate by 25 basis point, as expected trimmed the size of interest rate hike. Meanwhile, participants cautiously awaited for the release of the Labor Department's job report figures. Some gains were also trimmed amid mounting concerns over tech spat between China and the US. Japan’s Nikkei extended positive trend to third consecutive trade session, with the advancement in exports with the weaker local currency yen. Moreover, firm trend in Wall Street overnight also supported investments.

Nikkei 225 up by 99.31 points or 0.36% to 27,501.36, Straight times higher 11.61 points or 0.35% to 3,375.29, KOSPI widened by 13.10 points or 0.53% to 2,481.98, Jakarta Composite enlarged by 48.40 points or 0.70% to 6,938.97, Taiwan added by 9.95 points or 0.06% to 15,605.11 

On the flip side, Hang Seng down by 400.14 points or 1.86% to 21,558.22, Shanghai dipped by 45.03 points or 1.39% to 3,240.64, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI diminished by 1.45 points or 0.10% to 1,488.35.

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