A Positive End To The Year

(MNI Australia) Asia Pac equities are tracking higher, following the lead from US/EU markets through Thursday's session. Gains are more modest though, with major indices up less than 1% at this stage. US equity futures have stayed in negative territory for most of the session but are away from worst levels, last around -0.10% for the major indices. This may have trimmed risk appetite to some degree within the region.

• China/HK bourses are slightly outperforming the regional trend. The HSI up 0.80%, while the CSI 300 is +0.70% firmer at this stage.
• The domestic covid situation remains grim in China but case numbers looked to have peaked in some cities, including Beijing, which is seeing higher frequency indicators of economic activity recover.
• Elsewhere Thai equities are +0.70% higher as well. Optimism around the consumption backdrop likely aiding sentiment. Offshore investors were strong buyers of local equities yesterday, +$244.1mn.