Asia Pac Equities Continue Recovery, US Futures Weighed By Apple

Regional equity markets are a sea of green in Friday trade, with solid gains across the board. This follows strong gains in US and EU markets during Thursday trade. US equity futures are lower in the first part of Friday trade, largely thanks to Apple losses post a disappointing earnings update late in Thursday trade. Eminis are down 0.07%, last near 4333, Nasdaq futures are underperforming, off 0.25% at this stage. We also have the US NFP print later.

• Note Japan markets are closed today.
• In Hong Kong, the HSI is up over 2% at the break, led by the tech sub-index (+2.31%). In China, the CSI is up 0.86% at the break, putting the index ack to 3585 levels. Markets largely ignored the weaker than expected Caixin services PMI print (although the index remain in expansion territory).
• Northbound stock connect flows are tracking higher, +6.84bn yuan at this stage.
• The Kospi is +0.80% higher, away from session highs. Offshore and institutional investors have been net buyers, while retail investors have been sellers. The Taiex is around 0.50% firmer.
• The ASX 200 is up over 1%, with financials and materials leading the move higher.
• In SEA, gains are broad based, with Singapore markets (+2%), and the returning Philippines bourse, +1.2% the standouts.