Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta composite share price index (IHSG) lowered in opening trade on Thursday, with the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) index dropping 24.05 points, or 0.37 percent, to 6,423.84, on the back of minimum supporting sentiments.

This downward slide was also reflected in the index of the 45 most liquid stocks, nose-diving 5.84 points, or 0.57 percent, to 1,014.28.

Chief researcher of Valbury Sekuritas, Alfiansyah has forecast the United States-China trade talks and issuers' 2019 first-quarter profit statements will spur the movement of IHSG on Thursday.

"A positive reaction is expected from investors in line with the framework of a possible trade deal between United States and China taking shape and a deal close at hand. Moreover, the firms' 2019 first-quarter profit statements will also be subject to the investors' scrutiny. These sentiments might have a catalytic effect on the movement of the IHSG today in the midst of the stocks in Asia being mixed," he remarked.

Global investors are presently watching intently the direction of the US-China trade talks for discussing wide-ranging trade issues, with both nations apparently serious about finding solutions.

The trade talks will continue next week once both nations inch closer to an agreement.

The next week's trade talks will cover discussions on trade encompassing intellectual property, technological transfer, non-tariff barriers, and law enforcement.

In regional markets, the Nikkei Index rose 51.63 points, or 0.23 percent, to 22,251.63; Hang Seng declined 77.46 points, or 0.26 percent, to 29,728.37; and the Straits Times Index tumbled 7.54 points, or 0.23 percent, to 3,354.79.

Translator: Citro Atmoko, Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
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