Southeast Asian stocks edge up on China stimulus

Southeast Asian stocks mostly edged higher on Monday as stimulus from China and better-than-expected US jobs data lifted sentiment and allayed concerns of a slowdown in global economic growth.

Philippine stocks led gains in the region with the 0.3 per cent rise supported by industrials and financials.

Shares of SM Investment Corp and International Container Terminal Services Inc added 0.6 per cent and 2.8 per cent, respectively.

Indonesian shares dipped as much as 0.8 per cent to their lowest in two weeks, with telecom and consumer stocks dragging the index, reports Reuters.

Bank Indonesia on Friday said that the country's Consumer Confidence Index had dropped tp 124.5 in March, compared to 125.1 in February.

Telekomunikasi Indonesia shed 1.5 per cent while Astra International Tbk PT lost 2.0 per cent.

Singapore stocks were set to snap a 7-session gaining streak, sliding 0.2 per cent, hurt by industrials.

Thai markets were closed for a holiday.