Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Asian Markets Surge as Hopes Rise on Passage of Massive US Economic Stimulus
Bill

VOA News

   Asian markets soared Monday as investors are increasingly optimistic
   about the chance of U.S. lawmakers approving a massive coronavirus
   recovery bill, and recent strong corporate earnings reports.

   Japan's benchmark Nikkei index finished 2.1% higher. The S&P/ASX index
   in Australia rose 0.5%. Shanghai's Composite index gained just over one
   percent, and Taiwan's TSEC index was up 0.6%.

   Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up 0.2% in late afternoon trading,
   while Mumbai's Sensex is 1.2% higher.

   South Korea's KOSPI index closed down 0.9%.

   In commodities trading, gold is selling at $1,810.80 an ounce, down
   0.1%. U.S. crude oil is selling at $57.51 per barrel, up 1.1%, and
   Brent crude oil is up 1.2%, selling at $60.07 per barrel.

   All three major U.S. indices are trending higher in futures trading.

.