Asian markets traded mostly higher in early deals on Tuesday, supported by the risk appetite in the market ahead to later today’s US presidential election and Thursday’s Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision. The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower interest rates by another 25 bps. Additionally, expectations of rate reductions from other major central banks also kindled investor sentiments. Upbeat October business activity data from China marking a four-month high, with rise in factory output and improved services sector growth, also boosted investments. Japan’s Nikkei soared with the strong corporate earnings report and on weaker local currency yen. Meanwhile, last week’s BoJ’s decision to keep the interest rates steady at 0.25% and the receding global economic risks also supported investments.
Nikkei 225 surged by 467.90 points 1.23% to 38,521.57, Hang Seng higher by 255.84 points 1.23% to 20,823.36, Taiwan Weighted rose by 70.18 points or 0.31% to 23,035.57, Shanghai Composite soared by 59.49 points or 1.77% to 3,369.70 and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI added by 3.22 points or 0.20% to 1,619.65
On the flip side, Straits Times fell by 2.97 points 0.08% to 3,569.07, KOSPI Index dipped by 13.17 points or 0.51% to 2,575.80, and Jakarta Composite was down by 18.77 points or 0.25% to 7,460.73.