Asia: Most markets rise after strong US jobs, rebound in banks

ASIAN markets rose on Monday, tracking a rally on Wall Street fuelled by a strong rebound in US regional banks and forecast-beating jobs data that eased fears over a recession in the world’s top economy.

However, investors remain wary of any further upheaval in the US financial system following last week’s turmoil that saw sale of the embattled First Republic Bank to JPMorgan Chase.

That followed the collapse in March of three others and the takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS, which sparked panic on trading floors.

An indication last week from the US Federal Reserve that it could pause its interest rate hikes – after announcing another increase – did little to soothe concerns.

Still, a surge Friday in US regional lenders and the strong jobs report provided a shot in the arm for Asian markets at the start of the week.

Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Taipei, Manila and Jakarta were all in the green.

However, Tokyo was dragged down by a retreat in banks as investors returned from an extended break to play catch-up with last week’s sell-off.

While the quarter of a million jump in the non-farm payroll figure will give the Fed reason to hold rates higher for longer, it also showed the US economy remained resilient despite higher rates and inflation.

Investors have fretted for months that the long-running programme of monetary tightening aimed at defeating soaring prices will spark a recession.

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On Friday, Chicago Fed chief Austan Goolsbee warned it was “way too premature” to say if there would be another lift next month but warned the banking turmoil would likely drag on the economy.

There were growing worries about a possible catastrophic US default, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warning the country could run out of cash to pay its bills as soon as the start of June unless Congress raises the debt limit.

While many commentators believe lawmakers will come to a deal to lift the borrowing ceiling, as they have every time in the past, there remain fears that the unthinkable could happen and spark an economic crisis.

“Anxiety over US default is at an all-time high,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes.

“Historically, markets have not started worrying about a debt limit default until 2-4 weeks before the anticipated x-date (believed to be the end of July). AFP