Positive global cues fortify Asian markets in early deals on Wednesday

20 Feb 2013 Evaluate

Most of the Asian equity indices on Wednesday are trading near their highest point since August 2011 after an improving global economic outlook boosted world equities overnight, encouraging investors to take on risk. Hopes for an end to Europe’s long struggles got a fillip by the widely watched ZEW economic institute investor confidence index in Germany, which soared to 48.2 points in February from 31.5 points in January, its highest level since April 2010. Back to regional front, Japanese shares were trading with healthy gains of over half a percent, as the yen softened and data showed exports rose for the first time in eight months in January, although the country still posted its worst ever monthly trade deficit.

Hang Seng rose 58.01 points or 0.25% to 23,201.92, Jakarta Composite strengthened 24.58 points or 0.53% to 4,626.64, Nikkei 225 increased 83.23 points or 0.73% to 11,455.57, Straits Times added 6.62 points or 0.20% to 3,302.39, KOSPI Composite surged 33.36 points or 1.68% to 2,019.19 and Taiwan Weighted was up by 53.10 points or 0.67% to 8,013.98.

On the flip side, Shanghai Composite slipped 1.72 points or 0.07% to 2,381.20 and KLSE Composite was down by 3.63 points or 0.22% to 1,611.44.

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