Asian markets traded mostly higher in early deals on Friday, kindled by the bullish bets in the market despite negative Wall Street overnight followed by hotter than expected US CPI data. Interest rate cut by Bank of Korea for the first time in four years, which reduced in 25 bps to 3.25%, citing easing inflation also supported investor sentiments. Japan’s Nikkei extended winning streak to third straight session marking highest level in two weeks supported by the increased foreign inflows amidst weaker local currency yen. Expectations that the Bank of Japan will delay further rate hikes and strong corporate earnings reports also buoyed Japanese equities. Stock market of Hong Kong is closed for Chung Yeung Day holiday.
Nikkei 225 up by 237.69 points 0.60% to 39,618.58, Straits Times rose by 0.90 points 0.03% to 3,586.19, Jakarta Composite higher by 44.34 points or 0.59% to 7,524.42, Taiwan Weighted enlarged by 270.94 points or 1.20% to 22,930.02, and KOSPI Index added by 6.03 points or 0.23% to 2,605.19.
On the flip side, Shanghai Composite tumbled by 52.72 points or 1.62% to 3,249.21, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI lower by 5.51 points or 0.34% to 1,635.43.