Asian markets up but inflation fears keep traders in check

HONG KONG (AFP): Asian investors struggled to extend a global markets rally Wednesday (March 10) as they continue to fret over the prospect of soaring inflation and a hike in interest rates as the global economy explodes out of the coronavirus crisis.

With Joe Biden's US$1.9 trillion handout-rich stimulus on the cusp of being passed, focus on trading floors for weeks has been on the impact of an expected spending splurge by the government and pent-up Americans as they emerge from lockdowns with plenty of spare cash.