Asia markets rise on HK bill withdrawal

WEDNESDAY'S flurry of activity certainly made up for Tuesday's quiet session.

Traders already had economic data from the US and China to digest, but news that Hong Kong will withdraw its much-criticised extradition bill stole the show, stamping its influence on sentiment, which took on a decidedly risk-on tone.

The bill has drawn the ire of Hong Kongers and served as the trigger for 13 weeks of protests in Hong Kong. News that it would be removed saw Singapore's Straits Times Index (STI) jump in the afternoon session to close at 3,130.57, adding 39.94 points or 1.3 per cent.