Asian markets mostly gained on Friday. Japan's Nikkei was 0.2 per cent higher on upbeat industrial output data. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 1.0 per cent, while South Korea's Kospi added 0.5 per cent. China's Shanghai Composite Friday fell 0.3 per cent. Today metal and resource shares in the regional markets may face pressure after the massive earthquake that hit Chile.
Most Asian markets rallied with resources shares significantly higher on Monday. Japan's Nikkei jumped 2.7 per cent while exporters were encouraged by stronger US dollar against yen. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index gained 2.4 per cent. The Shanghai bourse reopened for the first day after the Lunar New Year holiday, Shanghai Composite dropped 0.5 per cent as the market was still impacted by the People's Bank of China's credit-tightening measures unveiled before the long holiday.
Asian markets were higher Thursday. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index gained 1.9 per cent and South Korea's Kospi advanced 1.8 per cent. China's Shanghai Composite closed flat with thin trade ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year, despite a slower than CPI growth eased worries of rate increase.
Australian shares gave up early gains after disappointing trade numbers from China raised concerns that Chinese economy is cooling. The market closed slightly higher as earnings reports from market heavyweights BHP Billiton and Commonwealth Bank helped the rise. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 8.3 points higher, or 0.2 per cent, at 4513.4. The broader All Ordinaries index rose 12.3 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 4533.
Australian stocks rose Wednesday following encouraging earnings result from media group News Corp. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 42.6 points, or 0.9 per cent, at 4647.9, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 44.4 points, or 1 per cent, to 4673.2.
Most Asian stock markets rebounded Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve's pledge to keep interest rates near zero for "an extended period". But analysts expect this would be a temporary rebound. Yesterday, Japan's Nikkei rose 1.6 per cent, boosted by the upbeat earnings reports. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index added 1.6%, South Korea's Kospi climbed 1.0 per cent and Taiwan's Taiex climbed 1.8 per cent.
The Australian share market lost much of its early gains after NAB's surprise bid for the local and New Zealand assets of AXA Asia Pacific Holdings. Woodside's capital raising also gave the market a pullback. At the close, the local market was slightly higher. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 8.4 points, or 0.18 per cent, at 4670.3 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 13.5 points, or 0.29 per cent, to 4689.6 points.
