• Regional markets were generally up following the release of improved U.S. jobless claims and housing data.
  • Regional economic activities expanded at a moderate pace with South Korea‟s GDP growth sustained in 1Q2013 and Hong Kong's exports rebounding in March. 
  • Regional markets are expected to remain volatile over the near-term as investors monitor the pace of growth in regional economies amidst an anticipated slowdown in economic activities for the U.S. and Europe.