Asian Markets Gain as U.S. Stocks Extend Rally

BANGKOK, Thailand - Asian shares opened higher on Monday, buoyed by a strong performance on Wall Street, where major indices posted their best weekly gain in two months.

Hong Kong

* Hang Seng Index: 2.3% gain to 20,041.09
* China's central bank maintained its key lending rates.
* A Hong Kong court extended a deadline for troubled developer Country Garden to reach an agreement with creditors.

Japan

* Nikkei 225 Index: 1.2% gain to 38,914.60
* Expectations grow that the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates this week.
* The Japanese yen strengthened against the US dollar.

South Korea

* Kospi Index: Flat at 2,524.12

Australia

* S&P/ASX 200 Index: 0.5% gain to 8,354.90

Taiwan & India

* Taiex Index: 0.5% gain
* Sensex Index: 0.2% gain

Thailand & Energy

* SET Index: 0.3% gain
* US benchmark crude oil: 2 cents lower at $77.37 per barrel
* Brent crude: 13 cents lower at $80.66 per barrel

US Markets Recap

* S&P 500 Index: 1% gain to 5,996.66
* Dow Jones Industrial Average: 0.8% gain to 43,487.83
* Nasdaq Composite: 1.5% gain to 19,630.20
* Positive earnings reports from SLB, Truist Financial, and others boosted the market.
* Concerns over inflation and interest rates have recently impacted stock prices.
* Treasury yields have eased in recent days, supporting stock valuations.