APAC Higher But Major Markets Closed, US Futures Rally

Asian equity markets are mixed today but S&P e-minis are up 0.6% and NASDAQ +0.7% as risk appetite improved following the avoidance of a US government shutdown on the weekend. China, HK and India are all closed for holidays as is most of Australia, although the ASX is open. China is closed all week. The USD index is up slightly.

• APAC is higher overall with the MSCI APEX up 0.4%.
• Japan’s Nikkei is up 0.8% following a better than expected Tankan survey and USDJPY weakening towards 150, but is off its intraday highs. The weaker yen has supported exporters and services companies on the back of increased tourism.
• The ASX is down 0.2% in thin trading with financials, energy and health weak. The NZX is 0.6% lower.
• Korea’s KOSPI is up 0.1% while Taiwan’s TAIEX has outperformed rising 1.3%.
• ASEAN is mixed with the Jakarta comp up 0.3% but the SE Thai flat. Singapore’s Straits Times and Philippines PSEi are 0.1% higher while Malay KLCI is 0.2% lower.