Asian markets end week higher on seemingly brighter outlook

AN apparent thaw in the frosty US-China relationship has helped to cool heated markets over the week, with reports that US trade representative Robert Lighthizer had told businesses that further tariffs on Chinese goods were on hold, although he later denied it.

So far, there is no sign on whether China's responses to US trade demands, submitted on Wednesday, have satisfied mercurial US President Donald Trump.

"Given the circumstances, markets appear inclined to give Trump-Xi the benefit of the doubt for now to (no matter how unlikely) strike a truce on trade at t…