Markets cheer the return of trade talk news

HOPES for progress in ongoing US-China trade talks on Friday outshone the global growth fears that dogged markets this week.

Investors pricked up their ears at notes of optimism from US officials as they resumed discussions in Beijing on Friday, with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin saying he had a "productive working dinner" with Chinese negotiators the night before. However, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow warned that it could take weeks or months to secure a satisfactory deal for the US.

The Singapore market turned in a positive performance, albeit a muted one, as total turnover was less than one billion on the last trading day of March. The key Straits Times Index managed to finish stronger on Friday, up 9.30 points or 0.29 per cent to 3,212.88.