Asian markets ended mostly higher on Thursday after a slew of softer-than-expected US economic data fuelled speculation that the Federal Reserve could slash interest rates as early as September. Meanwhile, investors are now awaiting minutes from the Fed’s latest policy meeting to gauge future interest rate cuts. Investors are also awaiting the release of key US nonfarm payrolls report and British election outcome. Japanese shares gained as a weaker yen boosted automakers and other export-related shares. However, Chinese shares fell due to plummeting property shares ahead of next week's Chinese political meeting.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 2,957.57 | -24.81 | -0.83 |
| Hang Seng | 18,028.28 | 49.71 | 0.28 |
| Jakarta Composite | 7,220.89 | 24.13 | 0.34 |
| KLSE Composite | 1,616.75 | 1.43 | 0.09 |
| Nikkei 225 | 40,913.65 | 332.89 | 0.81 |
| Straits Times | 3,439.88 | 24.37 | 0.71 |
| KOSPI Composite | 2,824.94 | 30.93 | 1.09 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 23,522.53 | 350.10 | 1.49 |
