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Asian markets trade mostly higher in early deals on Friday
Jan-09-2026
Asian markets traded mostly higher in early deals on Friday, with the optimism ahead of the US non-farm payrolls report due later today, for gauging strength of the US economy and for insights on Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook. Market also keenly eyed the potential Supreme Court decision on tariffs. Meanwhile, China's consumer inflation accelerated at the fastest pace in nearly three years in December. Japan’s Nikkei advanced after two straight sessions of losses with the easing concerns about the dispute with China. Softer local currency yen encouraged foreign currency inflows and gains to export oriented business.

Nikkei 225 surged by 807.74 points or 1.58% to 51,925.00, Straits Times added by 4.16 points or 0.09% to 4,743.23, Hang Seng buoyed by 30.69 points 0.12% to 26,180.00, KOSPI Index increased by 19.98 points or 0.44% to 4,572.35, Jakarta Composite widened by 34.76 points 0.39% to 8,960.23, Shanghai Composite climbed by 22.75 points or 0.56% to 4,105.73, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index was up by 5.70 points or 0.34% to 1,675.27.

On the flip side, Taiwan Weighted down by 57.25 points or 0.19% to 30,303.30.
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