Asian markets traded mostly higher in early deals on Thursday, supported by the risk appetite in the market following strong earnings and corporate developments amid Trump's policy shifts. Investor sentiments also got boosted after China prompted insurance funds to raise the size and proportion of their investments in Chinese A-shares, or companies traded on the mainland, and equity funds. Rally in technological and financial sector stocks with its global counter partners also lifted the local indices. Japan’s Nikkei extended winning streak to fourth straight session with the stronger than expected growth in exports and on weaker local currency yen. Taiwan is closed for the long Lunar New Year break.
Nikkei 225 up by 316.04 points 0.80% to 39,962.29, Straits Times rose by 32.14 points 0.85% 3,813.35, Hang Seng added by 47.23 points 0.24% to 19,826.00, Jakarta Composite climbed by 46.00 points or 0.63% to 7,303.13, and Shanghai Composite lifted by 32.89 points or 1.01% to 3,246.51.
On the flip side, KOSPI Index decreased by 15.32 points or 0.60% to 2,531.74, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI narrowed by 9.23 points or 0.58% to 1,578.57.