Asian markets settled mostly higher on Thursday tracking Wall Street’s gains overnight after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump was considering a one-month delay of auto tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Chinese and Hong Kong shares gained, led by technology shares and ahead of the release of Chinese trade data on Friday. Meanwhile, Chinese government reports to the annual legislative session showed a greater resolve by China to boost consumer spending and other domestic demand. Seoul shares rose after data showed South Korea's consumer inflation softened in February for the first time in four months.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,381.10 | 39.14 | 1.16 |
Hang Seng | 24,369.71 | 775.50 | 3.18 |
Jakarta Composite | 6,617.85 | 86.45 | 1.31 |
KLSE Composite | 1,558.91 | -5.51 | -0.35 |
Nikkei 225 | 37,704.93 | 286.69 | 0.76 |
Straits Times | 3,917.06 | 18.66 | 0.48 |
KOSPI Composite | 2,576.16 | 18.03 | 0.70 |
Taiwan Weighted | 22,715.43 | -156.47 | -0.69 |
