Stocks meander higher, but virus fears hold optimism in check – ZAWYA

Stocks meander higher, but virus fears hold optimism in check – ZAWYA

Stocks meander higher, but virus fears hold optimism in check Stocks meander higher, but virus fears hold optimism in check | ZAWYA MENA Edition HomeMarketsEquitiesArticleStocks meander higher, but virus fears hold optimism in check MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.5%, for a weekly gain of around 0.7%    Investors look at computer screens showing stock information at a brokerage house in Shanghai, China, April 21, 2016. Image used for illustrative purpose.SINGAPORE  - Asian stock markets ground higher on Friday, but are set to end a choppy week with only slight gains as surging coronavirus infections cast a shadow over encouraging economic data and checked hopes for a swift global recovery.MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.5%, for a weekly gain of around 0.7%. Japan's Nikkei rose 1.3% to sit 0.4% higher for the week.Bulls seem to have the upper hand in currency markets, with the U.S. dollar down 0.3% for the week, and riskier currencies such as the Australian dollar marginally ahead.MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.5%, for a weekly gain of around 0.7%. Japan's Nikkei rose 1.3% to sit 0.4% higher for the week.SINGAPORE  - Asian stock markets