Asian markets settled mostly higher on Friday, the last trading day of 2023. Market sentiments improved after data that the number of Americans filing initial claims for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week added to optimism about the outlook for Fed’s interest rates. Chinese shares gained as the country’s tech firms continued their advance. However, Japanese shares declined ahead of a lengthy New Year’s holiday break. But Nikkei index finished up 28% from a year earlier and ending at its highest level since 1989. South Korean markets were closed for a holiday.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 2,974.93 | 20.23 | 0.68 |
| Hang Seng | 17,047.39 | 3.86 | 0.02 |
| Jakarta Composite | 7,272.80 | -31.09 | -0.43 |
| KLSE Composite | 1,454.66 | -2.75 | -0.19 |
| Nikkei 225 | 33,464.17 | -75.45 | -0.23 |
| Straits Times | 3,240.27 | 25.87 | 0.80 |
| KOSPI Composite | -- | -- | -- |
| Taiwan Weighted | 17,930.81 | 20.44 | 0.11 |
