(AP photo)Southeast Asian stock markets ended lower on Friday, in line with other Asian markets that were battered after the Bank of Japan's monetary easing programme disappointed investors. The Japanese central bank expanded stimulus by doubling purchases of exchange-traded funds (ETF), yielding to pressure from the government and financial markets for bolder action. Traders were expecting a much heftier stimulus package," said Victor Felix, an analyst with AB Capital Securities Inc in Manila. The index snapped four straight weekly gains to post a loss of 2.62% this week, but grew 0.98% on the month. Indonesia slid 1.6% after losing its early gains, with consumer non-cyclicals being the worst performer on the index.

Source: Bangkok Post July 29, 2016 10:52 UTC