* Singapore marks biggest gain in nearly 7 weeks
* Trump: "ahead of schedule" on China trade deal
* Thai Sept. manufacturing production index -4.7%
By Sameer Manekar
Oct 29 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian markets rose on
Tuesday, with Singapore gaining the most, as progress in
Sino-U.S. trade talks raised hopes of a de-escalation in their
long drawn dispute.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said he expected to
sign a significant part of a trade deal with China ahead of
schedule, which follow remarks late last week from both Chinese
and U.S. officials saying the two sides were "close to
finalising" a deal. Adding to the optimism, the U.S. Trade Representative is
also considering extending tariff suspensions on $34 billion in
Chinese goods set to expire late in December, the agency said on
Monday. Investors are also waiting for the outcome of the U.S.
Federal Reserve's policy meeting on Wednesday. The central bank
is seen reducing rates by 25 basis points as poor data from the
two countries has led to worries of a global economic slowdown.
Resuming trade after a public holiday, Singapore shares
.STI touched a near three-month high and were set for the best
session in nearly two months.
"With positive sentiment from the U.S. trading session, the
STI may attempt to stand above 3,200 points this week.
Technology, real estates, financial and consumer sectors are set
to lead the gain today," Margaret Yang Yan, market analyst at
CMC Markets said in a note.
Industrials were among the biggest gainers, with
heavyweights Jardine Matheson Holdings JARD.SI and Jardine
Strategic Holdings JSH.SI rising 2.5% and 1.7%, respectively.
Thai stocks .SETI advanced 0.4%, shrugging off a
worse-than-expected fall in the country's September
manufacturing production index.
Consumer firms were among the top gainers. Charoen Pokphand
Foods PCL CPF.BK and retailer Home Product Center PCL
HMPRO.BK rose 3.1% and 5.5%, respectively.
Malaysian shares .KLSE inched up 0.1%, helped by gains in
the financial sector.
Hong Leong Financial Group HLCB.KL and RHB Bank RHBC.KL
were up 2% and 1.4%, respectively.
Indonesia's benchmark index .JKSE was marginally lower,
while the Philippine bourse .PSI remained little changed.
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SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS AS AT 0343 GMT
Change on the day
Market Current Previous close Pct Move
Singapore 3207.67 3185.53 0.70
Bangkok 1603.25 1596.48 0.42
Manila 7947.68 7946.53 0.01
Jakarta 6262.456 6265.384 -0.05
Kuala Lumpur 1572.06 1570 0.13
Ho Chi Minh 998.29 996.48 0.18
Change so far in 2019
Market Current End 2018 Pct Move
Singapore 3207.67 3068.76 4.53
Bangkok 1603.25 1563.88 2.52
Manila 7947.68 7,466.02 6.45
Jakarta 6262.456 6,194.50 1.10
Kuala Lumpur 1572.06 1690.58 -7.01
Ho Chi Minh 998.29 892.54 11.85