Asian equity markets ended mostly higher on Monday as the Yen weakened after Japanese trade balance figures missed expectations, and oil prices held steady after posting their first weekly decline in five weeks on concerns over rising production and swelling stockpiles in the US.

Reports showed that Japan posted a merchandise trade deficit of 1,086.9 billion yen in January as exports slowed down due to a decline in US exports and the timing of Chinese New Year holidays. That missed forecasts for a shortfall of 625.9 billion yen following the 640.4 billion yen deficit in December.

Chinese shares ended higher after reports that pension funds are entering the stock market. Investor sentiment was also boosted after China’s securities regulator unveiled new rules on Friday restricting excessive and frequent fundraising by some listed companies. Continue reading Asian Equity Markets Review – 20Feb2017 →