Asian Stocks Maintain Their Strength

Asian stock markets followed Wall Street’s lead, rising on Thursday’s trading, amid positive corporate earnings and optimism about the US economic recovery.

The Hang Seng Index led the gains, jumping more than 1.5%, on reports that China will continue to open its financial sector and improve rules for foreign banks and insurance companies entering the market.

Likewise, shares in South Korea rebounded, rising for the first time in five sessions by about 1%, as credit rating agency Fitch maintained the country’s credit rating at “AA-” with a stable outlook, citing Seoul’s effective management of the pandemic and dynamic exports.

Strong gains were seen in Australia (1%), after news that BHP, a mining company, has signed an agreement to supply nickel with US electric car maker Tesla.