Asian markets trade mixed after a steady start

The Asian markets after a steady start are showing some profit booking with Energy stocks receding as oil traded near a two-month low. Japanese market has gained strength with the better than expected news from US. Also, the yen remained lower against all 16 major counterparts before the Bank of Japan (BOJ) begins a two-day policy meeting today after expanding stimulus last month. BOJ had increased its asset-purchase program by 10 trillion yen to 55 trillion yen at the previous meeting on September 19. The Hong Kong market too have extended its gaining streak for the fourth straight day on taking cues from the positive news from the US.

Hang Seng was up by 43.88 points or 0.21% to 20,932.16, Jakarta Composite gained 2.46 points or 0.06% to 4,253.97, KLSE Composite was up by 10.48 points or 0.64% to 1,660.23, Nikkei 225 gained 53.89 points or 0.62% to 8,800.76.

On the other hand Straits Times was lower by 1.32 points or 0.04% to 3,075.78, Kospi Composite declined by 7.42 points or 0.37% to 1,988.61 and Taiwan Weighted plunged by 43.72 points or 0.57% to 7,640.91.

Markets in China remained closed today for holiday.