Stock Markets in Asia Continue Global Surge: Live Updates

Following Wall Street’s lead, markets across Asia were buoyant on Wednesday, as investors continued to cheer the prospect of a $2 trillion coronavirus package to shore up the American economy.

The positive mood looked likely to carry over into European markets, as trading in Europe futures indicated a strong opening for stocks there as well.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped by more than 5 percent, even as the organizers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games said they would postpone the event by a year. Chinese stocks were also trading up, with Shanghai’s SE Composite up by more than 1.7 percent and Shenzhen stocks rising by more than 2 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose by 2 percent and South Korea’s Kospi gained more than 4 percent.

Markets have been volatile in recent weeks, see-sawing on sentiment that has veered between hope that governments around the world will take strong measures to stem economic losses from the spread of the coronavirus, and fear that policymakers are not making bold enough decisions.

On Tuesday, Congress appeared close to approving a huge stimulus bill that would help to provide a ballast for companies and industries hardest hit by the outbreak. It would also give money to Americans, many of whom have lost their jobs in recent days and weeks.

Elsewhere, governments have taken more concrete measures. On Monday, Germany prepared an emergency budget and rescue fund for companies and state-supported loans. European Union leaders are working on additional new measures to help loosen up money for some countries to help soften the economic blow of the virus.

“Today’s sharp equity rally shows that the combination of central banks’ entire Global Financial Crisis playbook and substantial, direct fiscal support can be well-received by markets,” said Paul Haefele, chief investment officer at UBS Global Wealth Management, in a note to investors about Tuesday’s performance on Wall Street.

“Encouragingly, recent new lows in stocks have been accompanied by either sideways or even lower volatility, indicating markets are starting to become more comfortable with the potential range of outcomes we face,” Mr. Haefele added.

The price of oil also jumped after a period of steep declines. The international benchmark, Brent crude, and the United States standard, West Texas Intermediate, both gained more than 3 percent.

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