Asian markets traded in green in early deals on Monday, kindled by the strong economic outlook after stronger than expected US monthly jobs data. Sharp rally in technological and financial sector stocks also buoyed Asian indices. Investor confidence got boosted with the reports that South Korea's foreign reserves jumped to $420 billion by end-September, ranking ninth globally, with $373.3 billion in securities and $22.3 billion in deposits. Bank of Korea's monetary policy decision this week, which is expected to cut rates for the first time in over four years, is in focus. Japan’s Nikkei advanced for third straight session as the weaker local currency yen encouraged export-oriented investments. Market keenly awaited for earnings reports from major Japanese firms this week including AEON, Fast Retailing and Seven & I Holdings. Stock market of China remained closed for National Day.
Nikkei 225 surge by 870.19 points 2.25% to 39,505.81, Straits Times up by 8.75 points 0.24% to 3,597.88, Hang Seng rose by 260.39 points 1.13% to 22,997.26, KOSPI Index hiked by 39.04 points or 1.52% to 2,608.75, Jakarta Composite higher by 11.60 points or 0.15% to 7,507.69, Taiwan Weighted lifted by 371.63 points or 1.67% to 22,674.34 and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI added by 4.25 points or 0.26% to 1,634.22.