Asia close: Stocks end mostly higher, but traders cautious

(Sharecast News) - Asian indices were mostly higher at the end of the week, tracking a reversal in Wall Street futures after the top Democrat in the US Senate said he would not vote against a funding bill aimed at avoiding a government shutdown. Japan's Nikkei-225 added 0.92% to reach 37,053.10, alongside a 1.81% advance on the Shanghai Stock Exchange's composite index to 3,419.56.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng meanwhile climbed 2.12% to 23,959.98.

Indices in Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan recorded more modest gains.

Nevertheless, some market participants remained quite cautious.

In that regard, Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, told clients: "All eyes are now on whether risk assets can stabilize or if another wave of selling pressure emerges as markets continue to digest the broader economic and inflationary implications of Trump's trade war gambit."

"[...] But don't mistake this bounce for a reversal-if the latest price action around the tariff turmoil is any indication, this rally could merely be a gift-wrapped opportunity for bears to reload."

In local news, it was reported that officials from China's commerce and finance ministries, together with others from the central bank, would meet on Monday to discuss measures aimed at buttressing consumption.