Most Asian markets closed higher on Thursday amid uncertainties surrounding the global economic outlook as well as the ongoing U.S.-China trade fight.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 lost 19.09 points, or 0.1%, to 20,574.63.
The Japanese yen, widely seen as a safe-haven currency, traded at 109.65 against the U.S. dollar after seeing lows around 109.9 yesterday.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index leaped 112.78 points, or 0.4%, to 27,120.98
Korean stocks took on strength, as shares of chipmaker SK Hynix jumped 5.5% despite reporting quarterly earnings which were below expectations. The company attributed the profit decline — its first in two years — to lower chip prices.
Australian markets surged, with the energy sector adding more than 2%.
The country released employment data that came in above expectations: there were 21,600 new jobs created in December, beating analysts’ expectations of 16,500. The unemployment rate also surpassed forecasts, coming in at 5% as compared to expectations of 5.1%.
The Australian dollar was at $0.7098 U.S. after touching an earlier high of $0.7166.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 regrouped 17.73 points, or 0.6%, to 3,158.78
Sentiment overall during Asian trading hours, however, appeared fragile as concerns remained over the state of U.S.-China trade negotiations following reports on Tuesday that the U.S. had canceled a trade meeting with Chinese officials.
White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow denied that an official meeting had been canceled, telling media outlets that no immediate meetings had been scheduled other than the visit by Chinese Vice Premier Liu He next week.
In other markets
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index gained 19.62 points, or 0.6%, to 3,190.73
In Korea, the Kospi index heightened 17.25 points, or 0.8%, to 2,145.03
In Taiwan, the Taiex index regained 30.72 points, or 0.3%, to 9,877.12
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 moved higher 2.88 points to 9,108.91
In Australia, the ASX 200 re-strengthened 21.97 points, or 0.4%, to 5,865.69
