Asia Roundup: Mixed ahead of crucial US jobs data

Published: 2009/12/05

HONG KONG: Asian markets were mixed yesterday as investors took profits after recent gains, following a decline on Wall Street ahead of the release of a key jobs report amid worries over the US economy.

Market sentiment was pressured ahead of a key monthly US employment report to be released later yesterday.

TOKYO: Up 0.45 per cent. The benchmark Nikkei-225 index gained 44.92 points to 10,022.0 by the close, ending above 10,000 for the first time in five weeks.

Foreign funds were snapping up blue-chip stocks which bolstered overall share prices, Mizuho Securities market analyst Yukio Takahashi told Dow Jones Newswires.

SYDNEY: Down 1.52 per cent. The S&P/ASX 200 dropped 72.4 points to 4,702.2.

Shares fell across the board on jitters over upcoming US jobs figures and as commodities prices weakened, dealers said.

SHANGHAI: Up 1.61 per cent. The composite index, which covers both A and B shares, was up 52.42 points at 3,317.04.

Sentiment remained cautious as investors awaited an upcoming high-level economic planning conference.

SEOUL: Up 0.60 per cent. The Kospi gained 9.76 points at 1,624.76.

Analysts said solid programme buying by institutional investors boosted sentiment.

TAIPEI: Down 0.44 per cent. The weighted index fell 33.76 points to 7,650.91.

Despite weak sentiment, the market may stage a rebound at 7,500, but is expected to see a cap at 7,800 next week, dealers said.

BANGKOK: Down 0.74 per cent. The Stock composite index fell 5.26 points to close at 701.58 points and the blue-chip index was down 4.52 points to 492.55.

"The index will move in a narrow range and it is likely to post limited gains because the market will be open for business on only three days," Mayuree Chowvikran, an analyst at Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) said.

JAKARTA: Up 0.46 per cent. The composite index gained 11.51 points to 2,511.54.

"For the past two weeks, incoming foreign funds have created positive sentiment and a rally on the market. It may continue next week," Valbury Asia Securities head of research Krishna Dwi Setiawan told AFP.

MANILA: Down 0.94 per cent. The composite index lost 28.92 points to 3,061.99 while the all-share index dropped 0.57 per cent to 1,904.71 points.

"Fundamentally, we are not that bullish. We think it would be healthy to have a correction at this stage," said April Lee-Tan of broker Citiseconline. "It is getting a bit pricey."

Down 0.49 per cent. The 30-share Sensex index closed down 84.14 points at 17,101.54. - AFP