Asian markets settle mostly lower in thin trade on Friday
Sentiments were muted as worries about inflation, stemming from soaring oil prices, left investors pessimistic about the potential for future interest rate cuts
Asian markets settled mostly lower in thin trade on Friday with stock markets in Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia were closed for holiday. Sentiments were muted as worries about inflation, stemming from soaring oil prices, left investors pessimistic about the potential for future interest rate cuts. Further, a cautious undertone prevailed as strikes targeting infrastructure in Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia stoked concerns regarding a prolonged economic impact from the war. However, Kospi Index gained as investor sentiment was bolstered by comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting Israel would refrain from further strikes on Iranian oil fields following a request for restraint from US President Donald Trump.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 3,957.05 | -49.50 | -1.24 |
| Hang Seng | 25,277.32 | -223.26 | -0.88 |
| Jakarta Composite | -- | -- | -- |
| KLSE Composite | -- | -- | -- |
| Nikkei 225 | -- | -- | -- |
| Straits Times | 4,948.87 | -18.74 | -0.38 |
| KOSPI Composite | 5,781.20 | 17.98 | 0.31 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 33,543.88 | -145.80 | -0.43 |
