Jakarta Index Opens Higher, Rupiah Gains Slightly

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Jakarta composite index (JCI) opened higher on Monday on positive expectation of Indonesia's macro-economic data.

The index of the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) rose 18.42 points or 0.34 percent  to 5,415.28 points with index of 45 most liquid stocks up 0.50 percent to 942.18 points.

"The JCI extended gain on positive expectation of macro economic data to be released early next month," Asjaya Indosurya Securities' analyst  William Surya Wijaya said here. William said that inflation in March, 2015 is expected to be stable  and the country's trade balance is expected to have a surplus though not significant.

In addition, good performances were shown  in financial reports by most of the companies listed in the BEI in 2014. "The positive expectations keep the JCI in a positive territory. Technically, the BEI index  has a chance to climb to 5,444 points," William said.

Meanwhile, head of Research of Valbury Asia Securities Alfiansyah said the statement by the Fed Governor Janet Yellen on its plan to raise its fund rate would weigh on indices of global stock markets including BEI. Alfiansyah said the Fed is serious in its plan to raise its fund rate but the time  and the increase would depend on economic data.

Regional markets such as  Hang Seng, Nikkei  and Straits Times recorded gain.  Meanwhile, rupiah gained slightly on the US dollar, trading at the level of 13,056 from earlier level of 13,065 per dollar. (WDY)