Asian stock markets close Tuesday on high note

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - Major Asian stock markets closed on Tuesday in positive territory after hawkish remarks from US Federal Reserve (Fed) head Jerome Powell.

On Monday, Powell underlined the Fed's commitment to restoring price stability, even by raising interest rates more "aggressively."

After Powell's speech, market expectations for the next Fed interest rate hike rose to 50 basis points and the year-end forecast reached 2.25% for the policy rate.

The Asia Dow, which includes blue-chip companies in the region, rose 47.8 points, or 1.35%, to 3,585 points at 0939GMT.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock exchange increased 396.7 points or 1.48% to close Tuesday at 27,224. There was no trading in the index on Monday due to Vernal Equinox Day.

The Hang Seng, the benchmark for blue-chip stocks trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange, gained 668 points, or 3.15%, to 21,889.

India's Sensex benchmark climbed 663 points, or 1.16%, to end the day at 57,955.

China’s Shanghai Stock Exchange added 6.2 points, or 0.19%, to finish at 3,259.

The Singapore index was the sole index posting decline, down 5.34 points, or 0.16%, to 3,350.