Stocks in Asia traded higher on Monday afternoon as hopes rise on economies reopening, even as U.S. reported record job losses in April.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose another 211.57 points, or 1.1%, to 20,390.66.
The Japanese yen traded at 106.93 per dollar after weakening from levels below 106.2 last week.
The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong strengthened 371.89 points, or 1.5%, to 24,602.06.
Investors continue to watch for developments on the coronavirus front amid hopes of global economies reopening as social distancing measures are eased. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined over the weekend a “conditional plan” to slowly reopen society and the economy.
Still, caution is likely to remain. South Korea warned on Sunday of a potential second wave of cases. That came days after the country, praised for its rapid response to stem the spread of an initial outbreak, eased restrictions.
The Australian dollar changed hands at 0.6546 after rising from levels below $0.64 in the previous trading week.
Globally, more than four million people have been infected while at least 282,553 lives have been taken, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
CHINA
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 docked 3.44 points, or 0.1%, to 3,960.18.
Disney is also set to reopen its Disneyland theme park in Shanghai on Monday.
In other markets
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 docked 3.44 points, or 0.1%, to 3,960.18.
In Korea, the Kospi fell 10.42 points, or 0.5%, to 1,935.40
In Singapore, the Straits Times Index gained 19.43 points, or 0.8%, to 2,611.31
In Taiwan, the Taiex index climbed 111.84 points, or 1%, to 11,013.26.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 jumped 64.69 points, or 0.6%, to 10,760.29.
In Australia, the ASX 200 added 70.14 points, or 1.3%, to 5,461.22.
