Hong Kong
Asian markets rose again Wednesday, buoyed by a further easing of coronavirus lockdown measures, though the advances remain capped by concern that the reopening could spark a second wave of infections.
Traders brushed off more data showing the gaping hole being blown in the global economy that is also seeing companies either pull their earnings reports or provide grave forward guidance as demand is battered.
Equity markets have broadly moved into a bull market, having bounced more than 20 percent from their March lows, thanks to multi-trillion-dollar stimulus from governments and pledges of extra support from central banks.
Adding to the relatively upbeat mood is news that countries are beginning to slowly re-emerge from the crisis.
As sunseekers flocked to beaches in Australia and New Zealanders ate from reopened takeaways, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Tuesday that shops could reopen on May 11, following an easing up in Italy, Germany, Spain and parts of the United States.
The moves come as the rate of infections shows a general pattern of slowing, following a weeks-long shutdown. —AFP
