Asian equities gain on Wall Street rebound

Nikkei 29-01

The Nikkei is closing higher, following the bounce in US equities overnight as investors shrug off the fears surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. A more upbeat earnings report by Apple after the closing bell is also helping with the risk mood to start the day.

The notable exception is the Hang Seng index, which is down by 2.5%, as it reopens after the break and stocks there are adjusting to the coronavirus impact on markets this week.

Markets are keeping more steady in general with US futures up 0.3% while bonds are keeping near flat levels to start the session. USD/JPY is holding around 109.10-15 currently with market participants set to focus on risk, earnings and the Fed today.