Most Southeast Asian stock markets ended on a cautious note in lacklustre trade on Friday ahead of the release of China's inflation data on Saturday. The inflation rate in the world's second largest economy is expected to have picked up to 1.6 percent year-on-year in August from 1.4 percent in the previous month, which would be the first uptick in four months.
"After a week full of uncertainties, investors might be exercising caution before the release of China CPI data that could further impact the market," said Fiorenzo Jesus, an analyst with RCBC Securities. Data released earlier in the day showed China's August imports grew at a better-than-expected pace of 13.3 percent from a year earlier, while exports rose 5.5 percent, roughly in line with expectations.
Indonesian shares rose 0.4 percent to their highest close in a week, but fell 0.1 percent on the week. Consumer discretionary stocks led the gains on Friday with Astra International Tbk PT rising 2.3 percent while Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk PT gained 1.9 percent to its highest close in two weeks.
Thai shares rose as much as 0.9 percent to their highest since May 2013 before trimming gains to close slightly higher. They closed at their highest in more than four years and posted their fourth straight weekly gain. Financials led the rise with Kasikornbank PCL rising 1.5 percent to its highest close in more than 2 years, while Siam Commercial Bank PCL gained 1 percent.
Malaysian shares closed down 0.2 percent with IHH Healthcare Bhd falling 2 percent to its lowest close since July 4. The stock index gained for a second consecutive week, adding 0.4 percent. Singapore shares were up marginally on Friday but fell 1.5 percent this week, snapping two straight weekly gain. Philippine shares closed flat, gaining 0.81 percent for the week. Vietnam shares extended gains into a seventh session, and added 1.6 percent in their third straight weekly rise.
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