Asian markets settled mostly higher on Thursday ahead of the delayed release of US consumer inflation data on Friday for clues on the Fed's rate trajectory. Chinese shares gained as investors braced for a key meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump slated for next week, while upbeat earnings from Han's Laser Technology and Shenzhen H&T Intelligent Control also added fuel to the rally. Hong Kong shares rose, lifted by financial shares as investors awaited a key policy readout after a Communist Party conclave in Beijing. However, Japanese shares declined amid newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ordered a fresh package of economic measures aimed at easing the burden of inflation on businesses and households. Seoul shares fell as the BOK held its benchmark interest rate steady as widely expected to avoid spurring a housing market rally.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 3,922.41 | 8.65 | 0.22 |
| Hang Seng | 25,967.98 | 186.21 | 0.72 |
| Jakarta Composite | 8,274.35 | 121.80 | 1.47 |
| KLSE Composite | 1,608.00 | 5.31 | 0.33 |
| Nikkei 225 | 48,641.61 | -666.18 | -1.35 |
| Straits Times | 4,416.27 | 22.35 | 0.51 |
| KOSPI Composite | 3,845.56 | -38.12 | -0.98 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 27,532.26 | -116.65 | -0.42 |
