Asian markets settle mostly higher on Thursday
Chinese shares gained as China’s Q1 2026 economic growth reached 5%, surpassing expectations by accelerating from the previous 4.5% expansion
Asian markets settled mostly higher on Thursday amid hopes a fresh round of peace talks between Iran and the United States, scheduled for this week, which will help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Crude oil prices trading below the $100 per barrel fuelled by hopes of the Strait of Hormuz reopening, also boosted market sentiments. Chinese shares gained as China’s Q1 2026 economic growth reached 5%, surpassing expectations by accelerating from the previous 4.5% expansion. Moreover, solid corporate earnings on Wall Street, AI-driven sector momentum, and a weak yen have lifted Japanese shares.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 4,055.55 | 28.34 | 0.70 |
Hang Seng | 26,394.26 | 446.94 | 1.72 |
Jakarta Composite | 7,621.38 | - | - |
KLSE Composite | 1,689.71 | 6.29 | 0.37 |
Nikkei 225 | 59,518.34 | 1,384.10 | 2.38 |
Straits Times | 5,007.83 | -13.37 | -0.27 |
KOSPI Composite | 6,226.05 | 134.66 | 2.21 |
Taiwan Weighted | 37,132.02 | 409.88 | 1.12 |
