* Graphic: World FX rates http://tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh
* Graphic: Foreign flows into Asian stocks https://tmsnrt.rs/3f2vwbA
* Indonesian rupiah declines most
* Philippine stocks reverse course to end higher
By Shriya Ramakrishnan
June 26 (Reuters) - Asian stock markets steadied on Friday
but were still on course to end the week lower as a growing
number of coronavirus cases across the region and in other major
economies dented hopes for a swift economic rebound.
The Indonesian rupiah IDR= was the worst hit after the
country reported another surge in domestic infections, while
most other Asian currencies moved in a tight range as investors
sought the relative security of the dollar.
Several U.S. states have reported a record rise in
infections this week, while China, Indonesia, India and the
Philippines have also seen cases growing at an alarming rate,
keeping investors on edge.
In the absence of immediate catalysts, analysts said local
markets were being propped by huge quantities of capital central
banks have injected into the financial system.
"The enormous amounts of stimulus continues to boost
markets, but I'm not expecting a big rally until we get a
clearer picture on whether or not the rise in case counts is a
result of more expanded testing and will the mortality rates
rise," said Stephen Innes, chief global markets strategist at
AxiCorp.
Singapore .STI and Thai stocks .SETI rose as much as
1.1% and 1.4%, respectively, in the session, while South Korean
shares .KS11 and the won KRW=KFTC outperformed, boosted by
an improvement in consumer sentiment data.
Philippine stocks .PSI reversed early losses before the
bell to end higher, helped by a bout of last-minute buying of
blue-chip stocks. The benchmark index ended 1.2% higher after
falling as much as 0.4% earlier in the session.
Indian shares .NSEI rose and the rupee INR=IN also edged
up, though gains were limited by geopolitical tensions and the
country's now swiftly rising coronavirus case numbers.
India on Thursday accused China of deploying large numbers
of troops and weapons along a disputed Himalayan border in
violation of bilateral agreements. Indian equities, one of this year's big underperformers,
were however the sole market in the region set for a weekly
gain, supported by increased inflows from global investors.
Financial markets in China and Taiwan were closed for
holidays.
HIGHLIGHTS:
** Indonesian 3-year benchmark yields are up 0.1 basis points at
6.258%, while Thailand's 10-year government bond yields are down
4 basis points at 1.21%
** Top gainers on the Thailand's SETI .SETI include Royal
Orchid Hotel Thailand PCL ROH.BK up 14.63% at 35.25 baht,
Grande Asset Hotels and Property PCL GRAND.BK up 14.29% at
0.64 baht, Thai Reinsurance PCL THRE.BK up 13.89% at 0.15 baht
** Top gainers on the Singapore STI .STI include Singapore
Exchange Ltd SGXL.SI up 2.11% at S$8.21, Wilmar International
Ltd WLIL.SI up 1.96% at S$4.16, Mapletree Logistics Trust
MAPL.SI up 1.55% at S$3.15
** In the Philippines, top index gainers are PLDT Inc TEL.PS
up 5.04% at 1250 peso, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc AEV.PS up
3.65% at 46.85 peso, Metro Pacific Investments Corp MPI.PS up
3.54% at 3.8 peso
Asia stock indexes and
currencies at 0810 GMT
COUNTRY FX FX FX YTD INDEX STOCKS STOCKS
RIC DAILY % % DAILY YTD %
%
Japan