Asian markets trade mostly higher in early deals on Thursday

18 Jan 2024 Evaluate
Most of the Asian markets traded higher in early deals on Thursday, kindled by bargain hunting after previous sessional selloffs. However, some gains remained trimmed crimped rat cut bets by Federal Reserves after better-than-expected US Retail Sales data. Japan’ Nikkei extended gains with the surge in foreign inflows and profit outlook in export sector with the plunge in local currency yen. Bank of Japan’s continued ultra-easy monetary policy stance, despite hawkish outlook in other major central banks also raised investor confidence. Bucking the trend, Shanghai tumbled to a four-year low hit amidst slower than expected economic growth of the country and on lack of aggressive monetary stimulus to stem the ailing economy. 

Nikkei 225 up by 95.84 points or 0.27% to 35,573.59, Hang Seng rose 97.44 points 0.63% to 15,374.34, Straits Times climbed 4.73 points 0.15% to 3,146.95, Taiwan Weighted lifted 62.03 points or 0.36% to 17,223.82, KOSPI Index buoyed 5.80 points or 0.24% to 2,441.70, and Jakarta Composite supported by 52.33 points or 0.73% to 7,252.97.

On the flip side, Shanghai Composite down by 44.93 points or 1.61% to 2,788.69 and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI slipped by 11.02 points or 0.74% to 1,480.19

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