Asia Equities Continue Higher On Strong Earnings

Regional Asia Equities are higher today, all moving higher in unison as the US market hit record highs. It has been a slow data and news headline day in Asia, as well as China heading into Lunar New Year holiday break tomorrow. The Japanese BoJ Deputy Governor Uchida has been speaking this morning on financial conditions and interest rates, however hasn't shed too much light on when the end of NIRP will come.

• Japan equities are the top performer in Asia higher today, as the yen weakened during Uchida's speech. Tech names are trading well as market expectations of strong corporate profits, while strong performance during the US session for chipmakers is lending supporting to trading here in Asia. The Topix is higher 0.70% higher led by Toyota again up 3.00%, while the tech heavy Nikkei is higher by 2.20%.
• Australian equities are higher today, after solid earnings from the likes of AGL, Mirvac and Cochlear. the ASX 200 is higher 0.30% led by Utilities.
• South Korea equities are up today, led by semiconductor names, after TSMC posted a rise in monthly sales of 7.9%YoY, while US names also climbed. Headlines out earlier from SK President Yoon, saying the "Korea Discount" in equity markets must be reduced, the KOSPI is 0.20% higher, off it's highs from earlier though as inflows into SK equities taper off, with just $75m today
• Elsewhere in SEA, many regions markets are closed. Philippines is 1.50% higher, while India is lower by 0.60% after the RBI kept rates on hold.