Asian markets end mostly in the green on stimulus hopes

All the Asian equity indices barring Straits Times ended the day’s trade in the positive on Wednesday as traders remained optimistic amid speculation the Federal Reserve will stimulate the economy and after the European Central Bank endorsed a plan to guarantee bank deposits, although a slump in shares of European retailer Esprit capped the gains. Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Chinese indices rose 0.82% and 1.27% respectively, by strong led gains among Chinese insurers and utilities. The China’s two biggest insurers China Life Insurance and Ping An Insurance gained 7.20% and 6.50%, respectively, on reports that China’s insurance regulator is planning to reduce limitations on insurers' investments in infrastructure bonds. Moreover, Gains in a few large cap stocks boosted Japanese Nikkei up by 0.60%, but the broader market was weak as investors remained concerned about Spain’s struggle to finance its debt and looming elections in Greece.