Emerging markets: Singapore March inflation quickens as surging infections hurt Thailand, India and South Korea

Shoppers wearing protective masks walk past the Ion Orchard Mall at Orchard Road in Singapore, on April 13, 2021. Data showed Singapore's key price gauge rose by the fastest pace in more than a year in March, with core inflation rate rising to 0.5% against a forecast of an increase of 0.4%. - Bloomberg

SINGAPORE, April 23 (Reuters): Asian equities and currencies were subdued on Friday, as surging coronavirus infections in India, Thailand and South Korea sapped appetite for investments in these markets.

The overnight lead from Wall Street was also negative, as major indexes fell on reports that US President Joe Biden planned to raise taxes on the wealthy to fund major investments.