Asian markets settled mostly higher on Monday tracking Wall Street gains last Friday as the release of softer than expected US inflation figures fuelled expectations for more interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve in 2025. Underlying sentiment was also underpinned by the passing of a crucial funding bill in the US, which helped avert a year-end government shutdown. Hong Kong shares gained with expectations that China will ramp up economic support measures. Market sentiments improved further as Trump indicated he would like Chinese video app TikTok to continue operating in the country, a move that could help ease tensions between US and China. Moreover Japanese shares gained, led by automakers and technology shares.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 3,351.26 | -16.81 | -0.50 |
| Hang Seng | 19,883.13 | 162.43 | 0.82 |
| Jakarta Composite | 7,096.44 | 112.57 | 1.61 |
| KLSE Composite | 1,596.20 | 4.79 | 0.30 |
| Nikkei 225 | 39,161.34 | 459.44 | 1.17 |
| Straits Times | 3,752.33 | 32.40 | 0.86 |
| KOSPI Composite | 2,442.01 | 37.86 | 1.55 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 23,104.54 | 594.29 | 2.57 |
