HONG KONG (AFP): Asian markets fluctuated Friday (May 21) as investors battled to track a rally on Wall Street that came in response to another positive read on US jobless claims, while sentiment continues to be driven by inflation fears and optimism over the economic recovery. "The jobless claims read shows once again that we're heading in the right direction, but we're a ways away from where we were pre-pandemic." In early Asian trade, Tokyo, Singapore, Wellington, Taipei and Jakarta were up, though Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul and Manila dipped. The European Union has talked up hopes negotiations involving Russia, China and the United States can succeed. Iran has said discussions are moving in the right direction, while a US official said they were "positive and we saw meaningful progress".

Source: The Star May 21, 2021 03:32 UTC