Southeast Asian stock markets climbed on Thursday, while investors kept a cautious stance awaiting concrete evidence that progress is being made in the US-China trade negotiations.
Singapore shares extended gains for a fifth straight day, buoyed by DBS Group Holdings Ltd and conglomerate Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd that rose up to 0.9 per cent and 0.5 per cent, respectively.
The Malaysian index recovered from losses in the previous session to climb 0.8 per cent, reports Reuters.
Indonesian stocks extended gains into a second session, supported by consumer and materials sectors.
Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Tbk rose up to 6.7 per cent to its highest in more than six weeks, while PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk climbed 2.1 per cent.
Philippine's benchmark index gained after data from the archipelago showed its trade deficit narrowed in November as imports rose at their slowest pace in eight months.
Bank of the Philippine Islands climbed as much as 2.7 per cent and real estate company SM Prime Holdings Inc gained up to 0.7 per cent.
Meanwhile, Vietnam stocks traded marginally higher.