Asian markets mostly edged up Wednesday but gains were tempered as investors took a breather following a recent run-up, though another round of healthy data provided cause for continued optimism for the global recovery.
President Joe Biden gave cause to cheer by saying all adults in the United States would be eligible for a vaccine by April 19, almost two weeks earlier than previously pledged, reinforcing hope that the world’s top economy will get back on its feet more quickly.
That came as California’s governor said he aims to fully reopen the most populous US state by the middle of June if the current pace of inoculations continues.
In a further sign the United States was bouncing back, officials said job openings had surged to a two-year high in February, well above the level expected by most analysts.
That followed last week’s forecast-busting employment report and data showing a strong pick-up in the manufacturing and key services sector.
The string of healthy data — along with Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus and $2.25 trillion infrastructure proposal — have helped world markets…
