Asia-Pacific higher as trade concerns subside
Major stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region traded higher during the afternoon session on Friday as investors' optimism was stoked by United States President Donald Trump confirming that trade negotiations between his country and China have started. The Japanese Statistics Bureau also revealed in its report that annual inflation rate in Tokyo's Ku-area rose to 3.5% in April.
Japan's Nikkei climbed by 1.87% at 7:18 am CET, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng advanced by 1.26% at the same time. A minute later, South Korea's Kospi was up by 0.94%. In mainland China, the Shenzhen Composite rose by 0.80% at 7:20 am CET, while the Shanghai Composite grew by 0.14% at 7:21 am CET. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was closed due to a holiday.
The dollar gained 0.76% against the yen at 7:07 am CET and sold for ¥143.6925.